Chef Tyson Cole and Austin entrepreneur Daryl Kunik opened Uchiko in July 2010 as a sequel to their South Austin sushi restaurant, Uchi. Less than two years later, the duo have set their sights on expansion once again.

In early February, Cole and Kunik will open a new Uchi location in Houston, the brand's first restaurant outside of Austin. Cole stated that his strategy for the new location is to stick with the eatery's mantra, which he believes Houston will embrace as Austin has.

Though the expansion to Houston is a big move for the team, Uchiko remains a priority.

"We've really worked hard [through 2011] on improving and refining our food and service, and expanding our culture and developing great culture," Cole said.

While much of the Uchi brand's story for 2012 involves expansion, the plan for Uchiko this year is to focus on the qualities that have already made it successful.

"[We plan] to continue to build on the success of the restaurant through continued community involvement," Cole said.

Uchiko, 4200 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 140, 916-4808, www.uchiaustin.com