The owners of Sushi Bang Bang met a decade ago in New York City’s Manhattan, where they worked in a restaurant together. Last year they decided to move to Austin to open their own sushi restaurant on US 183.
“So far, so good,” said co-owner Tom Huang, who runs Sushi Bang Bang with two other co-owners, Kevin Kao and Johnny Lin.
The trio said they chose to open the restaurant in Austin because they believed there was more opportunity for starting a business.
“A lot of people are moving to Austin,” Kao said. “They are coming from all over and many might love sushi, so we want to be the place to get the best fresh sushi.”
They said Sushi Bang Bang is unique because it offers an all-you-can-eat-option along with a traditional a la carte menu.
“Many customers think all-you-can-eat is like a buffet, but it’s different,” Lin said. “This is a new style for the area. A lot of customers are confused when they walk in. They want to know where the buffet bar is, but made-to-order means we’ll cook for you unlimited.”
If a customer purchases the all-you-can-eat option, he or she can order as much as he or she likes for a set price. The dishes will continue to come out as needed instead of all at once to ensure maximum freshness. Huang said if fish dishes sit for even half an hour they will no longer be fresh, which is why made-to-order is better than a buffet.
He said the all-you-can-eat option is great for people who want to try a variety of dishes from the extensive menu or for people who are really hungry.
The chef’s specials are created by the owners, and Sushi Bang Bang has weekly specials and occasionally changes the menu items. Kao said he is working on a new ramen with a basil sauce.
The owners said business has gone well enough to begin thinking about a second location.
“In the next year or two we’ll hopefully open a new location,” Kao said. “We’re thinking somewhere in the south [of Austin]. I love the idea of a restaurant on the water. In the meantime, we’ll just keep working on getting better and better.”
14005 US 183, Ste.1000, Austin
512-609-8185
www.sushibangbangtx.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-10 p.m.
