-Courtesy of Aversa PR & Events
Simplevenue announces that Sushi by Boū will expand to Pennsylvania with an opening in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. The modern day speakeasy-inspired omakase is one of New York’s hottest and fastest growing restaurant concepts that has become famous across the country for taking over unique, offbeat and underserved spaces as small as 200 square feet. Locations have included everything from the backroom of a coffee shop and florist, to a hotel room, to basement storage, to a mop closet – and everything in between.
For the Philadelphia debut, look for Sushi by Boū to take over the back room of Izakaya Fishtown at 1832 Frankford Avenue starting on May 10th. Sushi lovers will go through a private door at the back of the dining room to enter the newly renovated space that is inspired by the Hop Hop Era of the 90s. Guests will vibe to hip hop hits while the chef creates an exclusive experience and picks the menu. The 60 minute experience is $60 for 12 courses or $125 for a 17 course omakase (aka the Bou-gie upgrade) which features five additional seasonal selections. Guests can also pair their experience with a selection of cocktails, sake and other spirits for an additional price. Add-ons include la carte specialties and seasonal mochi ice creams. Reservations are now available on opentable.
“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the first Sushi by Boū location in Pennsylvania,” said simplevenue Founder Michael Sinensky. “We think Fishtown is the perfect neighborhood to experience our ‘sushi for the people’ concept. It is casual, fun, affordable and faster paced. We hope to attract foodies, visitors and neighbors – including those in the Fishtown community that would become regulars during the month.”
He added, “We have been in talks to bring simplevenue concepts to the City of Brotherly Love for over two decades. Besides the close proximity to Metro New York and New Jersey, we wanted to bring our hospitality concepts here because people in Philadelphia know their food and drink. There’s no better place to open in a city where people take their food so seriously. In Philly, we always admired the food scene where there’s so much diversity, so much passion and so willingness to try new things. When patrons embrace the quality, the vision and the service, they become loyal customers for life. That is what we want. We are starting with Sushi Suite and Sushi by Boū, but we want to be around in Philadelphia for years with many more restaurants and concepts to come.”
Sushi by Boū specializes in serving a high-end traditional omakase experience in a fun, speakeasy environment. Using the finest quality fish in the world, master sushi chefs craft a memorable and delicious meal using traditional edomae techniques. Sushi by Boū offers a signature 12-piece omakase, as well as an upgraded 17-course omakase. The 60 minute timed omakase is served at intimate 4- to 12- seat counters and features the freshest of fish, both locally sourced and brought in from all over the world. The seasoned sushi chefs serve guests directly, guiding them through the meal and providing a truly exclusive experience. The elegant cuisine is greatly complimented by a selection of handmade cocktails, imported sake, and rare Japanese whiskeys.
Sushi by Boū is presented by simplevenue, a NYC-based hospitality group specializing in micro restaurants, and in bringing incredible concepts to underutilized spaces across the country. The company is led by Founders Michael Sinensky and Erika London, alongside newly appointed Partner and Chief Hospitality Officer Richie Romero.
Each restaurant by simplevenue brings incredible concepts to micro-restaurants located within underutilized spaces within existing venues. Its flagship brand Sushi by Boū changed the sushi counter experience in America, it offers a modern take on the classic old-school sushi counter, providing a glimpse at the hustle and bustle of Japan’s food culture, combined with a truly unique, personalized culinary experience. To date, there are currently 16 locations for Sushi by Boū in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Florida and Puerto Rico.
For the company’s expansion to Philadelphia, the Fishtown location will offer ten seats that grand open on May 10, 2024. Look for a second location to open later this year, alongside a new location in Center City for Sushi Suite (simplevenue’s upscale luxurious omakase). After launching Sushi Suite in Fishtown, Sushi Suite will move to a new home after months of daily sold-out experiences. After the incredible reception Sushi Suite received in Fishtown, owners thought it would be the perfect place to debut Sushi by Boū. With the shorter timed experience and lower price point, Sushi by Boū aims to cater to not only foodies from around the city and region, but also to neighbors who will visit several times a month.
For the menu, guests will find delicacies featured like Hamachi (yellowtail), Botan Ebi (spotted prawn), Ikura (salmon roe), Hotate (scallop), O-Toro (fatty tuna), Unagi (bbq eel), and signature Wagyuni (‘surf and turf’). Hand rolls and other sushi favorites utilizing the freshest highest-quality fish sourced locally and globally are available upon request. For drinks, look for a selection of handcrafted cocktails and sake. Drink highlights include Yuzu Honey Bee with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Honey Syrup Yuzu, Simple Syrup and Pink Peppercorn; Old Fashion Pearl with Legent Bourbon, Angostura Bitters and Roasted Barley Syrup; Sakura Martini with Vodka, Dry Sake, Maraschino Liquor; and Japanese Negroni with Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Campari and Umeshu. Guests will also find a barkeep’s special rotating cocktail of the week. Sake highlights will include Flight to Heaven with Heavensake Junmai (fright and fresh finish), Heavensake Junmai Ginjo (crisp, light and refreshing) and Heavensake Junmai Daiginjo (vibrant, rich and aromatic), among other selections.
For vibes, each Sushi by Boū location has a different theme and personality. For Fishtown guests will enjoy ambiance inspired by the Hip Hop Era of the 90s, with graffiti covered walls, dozens of suspended vinyls overhead, playlights dedicated to the best of 90s Hip Hop and murals of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Hip Hop legends. Fishtown pay tribute to Biggie Smalls (as the company originated in NYC), along with Biggie Philadelphia based artists include Black Thought & Quest Love from the Roots, Will Smith, Jazzy Jeff, Eve! Other graffiti included in the design are quotes about the Philadelphia Eagles, Meek Mill, and Philadelphia staples like Jawn! Branded neon sign pays tribute to Philadelphia favorites Boyz ll Men. Exclusive custom artwork was created by local graffiti artist Ivben Taqiy, with Interior Design by Diana Romeo, and General Contractor Ron Padgett.
“Sushi by Boū’s distinctive 90’s Hip Hop vibe pays homage to the legendary Notorious B.I.G., symbolizing the foundation of our company in New York. Additionally, we proudly pay tribute to local icons such as Black Thought and Questlove of The Roots, Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff, Boyz II Men, Eve, and many others. Through our vibrant atmosphere and culinary creations, we celebrate the enduring influence of these luminaries on both a national and local scale,” said Chief Hospitality Officer Richie Romero.
PRICING
$60 for 12-course omakase, this menu consists of all sustainable fish, which helps keep the product consistent year round. $125 for 17-course omakase. This menu consists of the classic 12-course plus 5 others of seasonal fish based on what’s best at market. These other course change frequently, sometimes multiple times in a week.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Tuesday 5-10pm, last seating is 9pm
Wednesday 5-10pm, last seating is 9pm
Thursday 5-10pm, last seating is 9pm
Friday 5-11pm, last seating is 10pm
Saturday 5-11pm, last seating is 10pm
For more information visit http://www.sushibybou.com and follow @sushibybou_ @SimpleVenueNYC @GluHospitality.
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