Brad Hawkins used to frequent a hole-in-the-wall sushi restaurant when he was an actor in Los Angeles. He said the food was terrible, but everyone had a lot of fun. “The music was playing loud, and everybody was singing, and everybody was having fun with the table next to them; it was just a really interactive experience,” he said. “That’s always stuck in the back of my head of why can’t great food and that kind of fun happen at the same time?” The idea of both great food and lots of fun was the inspiration behind Sushi Marquee. Hawkins, a restaurateur himself, partnered with friends who also ran restaurants in the area. The logo was designed to resemble a vintage movie theater marquee sign, a nod to Hawkins’ acting background. One of the first restaurants to open at The Star in Frisco, Sushi Marquee offers more than just sushi. Along with classic and specialty rolls, the menu includes steak and seafood options. “If you want sushi and sashimi, the first side of the menu we got you covered,” Hawkins said. “If you don’t like sushi, just flip over the menu. We got you covered no matter what.” The Wagyu Hot Rock is a popular dish, Hawkins said. Strips of wagyu beef are served raw with a hot stone so guests can cook the meat at their table. “I have a lot of families come in because the kids like to cook,” Hawkins said. “I notice a lot of kids getting their own hot rock because they like to be interactive and be a part of that.” As far as the fun goes, that is covered in the restaurant’s art, music and even the menu. While music videos from the ’80s and ’90s play on TV screens, guests can ogle a painting of Godzilla or of a Yoda and Mr. Miyagi crossover. Some of the sushi rolls and cocktails are named after characters and references from TV shows and movies. After being open for just more than a year, Sushi Marquee is going to have more fun options in the future, including a couple of food-related world record attempts and the opening of a climate-controlled patio, Hawkins said. “Year one was just getting our feet wet, just dipping our toe in the water,” he said. “I think year two is going to be a lot more fun.”
Sushi Marquee 3625 The Star Blvd., Ste. 315, Frisco 972-833-1608 www.sushimarquee.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.