With an American name like Foster’s, this Roanoke restaurant may surprise diners with its menu featuring sushi, sashimi and other Asian fare.

But owner Kimberly Foster said she used her American last name on purpose. Many of the sushi rolls on the menu at Foster’s have been altered for American tastes, she said. Most sushi in American restaurants is not made in the traditional Japanese style, with wasabi layered between the fish and rice, Foster added. Many American restaurants also offer fewer types of fish in their sashimi dishes, she said.

Still, Foster said she is proud her restaurant offers high-quality Asian dishes. She opened Foster’s in August 2017 after noticing a lack of Japanese food in the area.

Her business is among the restaurants that line Oak Street in Roanoke. The eateries along the roadway helped the city earn its designation in 2009 as the “Unique Dining Capital of Texas,” and Foster said she was attracted to the area’s growth and restaurant variety.

“Roanoke is growing, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to open the restaurant here,” Foster said.

Prior to opening her restaurant, Foster worked in an Italian eatery. She spent time researching Japanese dishes and recipes for Foster’s.

“I have passion for Japanese food, so I actually travel all over the world for Japanese food,” Foster said. “Wherever they say there is really good sushi, I go.”

She has also used her travel experience to make sure Foster’s preserves its authenticity with high-quality ingredients sourced from Japan.

“Everything, even side dishes, we make fresh every day. Nothing is premade,” Foster said. “Sometimes people have to wait a little longer [for their food] because we make it to order, but it’s worth it.”