By Malakki Matters
A storm swells within the cafeteria; the waters rise and Tsunami is gone, leaving in its place Sushi with Gusto. The old sushi establishment was surpassed by its chosen replacement beginning Monday, Jan. 7.
Jay Glatz, manager, Dining Services, explained the future of Sushi with Gusto’s presence. Every year the college evaluates each representative within Dining Services. The previous sushi vendor Tsunami had been located in the cafeteria for six years. This year the decision was made to seek outside bids.
Glatz received four bids for consideration. He said the one that stuck out was the new vendor, Sushi with Gusto, because of the selection they had to offer and support from their corporate office.
“We are up roughly 30 percent in sales,” Glatz added.
Amongst students there has been a positive response regarding the new venue.
“There were days when [Tsunami’s sushi] was looking old and so I wouldn’t get it,” said student Amber Reed, “but [Sushi with Gusto’s sushi] looks more fresh.”
Students also enjoyed new options.
“It looked like a wider selection,” said Lisa Acevedo, student. “This place has better California rolls.”
Phillip Allen, a regional sales manager for the restaurant, compared Sushi with Gusto to going to a fine, quality restaurant.
Sushi with Gusto has gone beyond the traditional venue. The restaurant has expanded its borders and market without changing its physical location by moving its product in three additional locations around campus: Encore Espresso, Vibe, and the Convenience Store.
A final expansion for Sushi with Gusto is yet to come. Glatz met with representatives from Sushi with Gusto and Café Tempo on Thursday, Jan. 17. They sampled and discussed possibilities of carrying the product there as well.
In the coming weeks there will be a new line at Café Tempo with a rotating special every day. The details are sparse as the menu is still under construction, but there will be three or four different products that are new both to Café Tempo as well as Sushi with Gusto.
“It will be a nice addition to Café Tempo,” Glatz said.
According to the company’s website, Sushi with Gusto was formed in 1997 and has grown ever since. Currently Sushi with Gusto can be found in 25 states across the eastern shore and Midwest.
Contact Malakki Matters, reporting correspondent, at pmatters@jccc.edu.