Conveyor-belt sushi restaurant opens at International Plaza next week

TAMPA — International Plaza shoppers will soon be able to enjoy their favorite sushi dishes delivered to them on a conveyor belt.

Yo Sushi, a London-based sushi restaurant chain, will open its third U.S. restaurant Monday at the mall next to Tampa International Airport.

Yo Sushi operates 89 sushi bars worldwide, including a Florida restaurant at University Town Center in Sarasota.

Darren Wightman, vice president of operations at Yo Sushi, said the success from the opening of Yo Sushi in Sarasota last April led to the company opening another restaurant in Florida.

“We love the Florida market and due to our recent Sarasota opening and the positive response, the Tampa market was a natural next step for the brand” Wightman said. “It is a vibrant market, with a diversity of cultures.”

Yo Sushi will serve freshly prepared sushi and a wide selection of Japanese dishes at the mall’s food court on a 203-foot continuously revolving conveyor belt that circles the restaurant.

Guests can sit at one of 75 sushi bar stools or booths and choose from one of the dishes which are color coded by price. The meals that are delivered via conveyor belt include sashimi, maki, hand rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and vegetarian options, including salad and vegetarian tempura ranging in price from $3 to $7. For dessert, customers can choose between Dorayaki pancakes, Mochi ice cream, and fresh fruit.