Hanara Sushi & Grill has provided a casual scene for North Austin residents to get their sushi fix for nearly 10 years. The hidden gem has a team of eight members who have cultivated a friendly relationship with their neighboring businesses located in The Arboretum as well as regular customers.

How we got here

Owner Inja Park previously lived in South Korea where she worked as a professor for fashion design but she always knew she wanted to have a career in the food industry. She decided to move to Austin in 2012 and began working in different restaurants.Park purchased the restaurant from its previous owner two years ago.

“She started working here as kitchen staff and the owner was really impressed with how hard she works and he wanted to retire or open up a new restaurant,” Park’s son Woojoo Kim said. “He sold it to my mom for a really cheap price and she was like, ‘Oh this is the perfect opportunity.’”

Park’s son is an artist who works at the restaurant with her and has some of his artwork displayed throughout the dining areas to add to its decor. Park said she was aiming to create a comforting atmosphere for customers to frequent despite the restaurant’s small size.

“My father lived in Japan for a long time so I had both experiences in Japanese local restaurants and Korean restaurants,” Park said. “Even though they are small, they always greet the customer just like they are seeing family members and it feels like home, which I wanted to bring here.”What’s special about it?

Kim said the business has grown close with its customers since his mother purchased the restaurant.

“There was a worker from the office nearby and he came here almost daily and as he would wait for his food, he helped us serve stuff,” Kim said. “When I’d go to the restroom or [my mom] was out of place, he was here recommending people what to get.”

He said they even found out some of their regulars were their neighbors and they now go to each other’s houses from time to time.When asked about her goals for the business’ future, Park said she wants to continue making connections with different people and solidifying a community within her restaurant.

“I’m really thankful for this opportunity to have this cozy restaurant and thankful to all of the other employees as well,” Park said. “I want the customers to have not just good food, but some good memories and once they become older they bring their kids back and it just continues.”On the menu

The hidden eatery offers rolls, poke bowls, bento boxes, udon noodles, yakisoba and ramen. Park recommends new customers try the Austin Roll, a deep fried roll with crab, avocado, cream cheese and jalapeno; the Hallelujah Roll, a roll with spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, burdock root and salmon on the top; and the bento boxes.

“Our restaurant may not be the fanciest in town but I always want our customers to know they will leave with a full belly,” Park said.

• 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 139, Austin
• www.hanarasushi.com