First Conveyer Belt Sushi Restaurant in the Twin Cities Opens Today

It’s a Twin Cities first; conveyor belt sushi is now available in downtown Minneapolis at 1200 Nicollet Mall. Sushi Train is officially underway opens at 11 am Friday, June 1. Kevin Ni is one of three partners in the new venture. He has a background in sales, while his partners had careers in restaurants.

Ni says they decided they wanted to do something new and fresh where customers don’t even have to order and wait. Sushi Train is modeled after a subway station, with bright colors. Ni says they have a one of a kind conveyor belt that runs through the restaurant. It has sensors and timers so food remains fresh. Plates run from $1.50 to $5.50, diners are charged by how many plates grabbed off the belt.

Diners also have a choice to order from a menu, including classic rolls and poke bowls full of rice and tuna or salmon. Ni says the fish is fresh and all comes from Japan.

Sushi Train is on the corner of Nicollet and 12^th Street, a block down from Brit’s Pub. It’s in an area of town with few sushi options, so Ni is hopeful for his unconventional endeavor, “It’s a fun experience he says.”

Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield/Eater Twin Cities

Sushi Train will begin with limited hours with plans for a grand opening in a few weeks after working the kinks out.

Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield/Eater Twin Cities