How we got here
Chung, an Austin resident, previously owned and operated Ebisu, a Japanese restaurant downtown. After selling to new owners in 2021, he set his sights on Hutto.
Not only did he like the relaxed pace of life, but with the influx of residents to the area as Samsung's recent semiconductor expansion attracts more people, he noticed a need for more Asian cuisine.
“This area [does not have] many Japanese restaurants, so hopefully it’s good for the future,” Chung said. “[There are] more people over here. They needed more restaurants in this area.”
Before moving to Texas, Chung also founded multiple Japanese restaurants in California.
“It takes a long time,” Chung said about building a successful restaurant business. “Any food [that I’m] making, I gave it to my family first.”
What’s on the menu?
Sushi Zoa offers a range of traditional Japanese plates, like sushi rolls and sashimi platters as well as dishes like spicy pork bulgogi and tonkotsu ramen.
Chung said the restaurant sells a lot of omakase meals, or chef-selected specials. The Japanese word "omakase" means “I leave it up to you,” and is not only a meal, but a dining experience.
“People can hear, taste it and look at it, and then talk about it to the friends and family, then bring more customers,” Chung said.
