‘Eater-tainment’ concept coming to Tacoma Mall with sushi conveyor-belt dining, robots
It bills itself as the “ultimate eater-tainment dining experience,” and it’s coming to Tacoma.
Kura Revolving Sushi is bringing its conveyor belts of dishes and drink robots to the Tacoma Mall, with a tentative September opening.
According to Robert Kluger, chief development officer of Kura Sushi USA, customers can expect “a two-layered conveyor belt system with an offering of more than 100 authentic menu items, most of which were developed in Japan.”
And robots.
“Additionally, guests can enjoy the fun elements of our Bikkura Pon prizes and the convenience of Kur-B the KuraBot drink delivery robots,” Kluger said via email in response to questions about the new location.
The 4,129 square-foot restaurant will offer 27 booths and 10 counter seats. The company’s building permit application to the city was submitted last December, according to the city’s permit portal, which called for a new restaurant build-out.
Signs advertising the site at the mall can be seen outside the building near Total Wine & More and Nordstrom Rack.
The chain opened its first Washington state restaurant in Bellevue in 2021.
“That restaurant has been extremely well received since opening,” Kluger said via email. “And because of that success, we are looking forward to expanding our presence in the Pacific Northwest in September by opening two restaurants, one in Tacoma and the other in Beaverton, Oregon.”
He added that Tacoma was chosen because of “its vibrant community and growing culinary scene.”
“Tacoma’s local population aligns perfectly with Kura Sushi’s core customer, and the Tacoma Mall acts as a regional hub, drawing people from miles away.”
Kura Sushi launched in Japan in 1977 and has since opened more than 600 locations across multiple countries: Japan, United States, Taiwan and China.
Kura Sushi USA started in 2008 with its first location in Irvine, California, which also is home to the company’s U.S. headquarters. The company has more than 60 locations in 17 states and the District of Columbia.
Given all the “eater-tainment” promotion, it’s not the first conveyor-belt sushi spot ever at the mall, nor even in the neighborhood.
Red Tuna previously was at the mall, while Sushi Revolution, which launched in 2007, is at 5225 Tacoma Mall Blvd.
Forever Sushi in Puyallup also stars a conveyor belt.
This story was originally published August 4, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "‘Eater-tainment’ concept coming to Tacoma Mall with sushi conveyor-belt dining, robots."
