1. There’s much more than just sushi on the menu
The non-traditional business operates off a “build your own” template. Guests first answer “How Do You Roll?” by opting for either a burrito (with white or brown rice), a bowl (with white, brown rice, fried rice or noodles) or salad.
Then they determine their hunger level, choosing one, two or three “meat and greet” proteins for $8.85, $10.35 or $11.85, respectively. Not a fan of Fresh Tuna, Dynamite Tuna, Fresh Salmon, Spicy Salmon? Not to worry. There’s also Teriyaki Chicken, Panko Chicken, Sweet Chili Gyro, Tempura Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp, Crab Salad, Crab Stick and Roasted Tofu.
FIRST REPORT: Sushi burrito restaurant to open in downtown Hamilton
Guests next choose from a wide array of fillers, including cream cheese, corn salsa, Asian slaw, mixed greens, edamame, avocado, jalapeno and cucumber.
The entire culinary creation may then be topped with crunchy tempura, friend onions, friend wontons, yum yum, spicy mayo, teriyaki or sriracha.
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2. Sushi? What about Basil 1791, a soon-to-open Asian-American “gastro pub-esque” restaurant?
“Our sushi concept is a fast casual restaurant,” said co-owner John Kallenberger. “There’s room for both. We’re untraditional sushi that blends traditional flavors with untraditional chicken, steak gyro, etcetera. We also have fried rice bowls and lo mein noodle bowl along with poke bowls. Anyone can eat here, not just sushi lovers.”
In addition, Roll On In offers “food in minutes,” allowing customers to craft their own culinary creation down the line.
“We really don’t compete with sit down sushi,” Kallenberger said. “I will still frequent the sit-down sushi down the street. Different vibe, for sure.”
MORE: New restaurant coming to Hamilton will feed your sushi fix
3. The influx of new restaurants in Hamilton is a magnet that’s attracting more
The old adage of nothing draws a crowd like a crowd looks like it can be applied to businesses, too. With Basil 1791, Tano’s Bistro and Quarter Barrel Brewery & Pub all scheduled to open in 2018.
Kallenberger said the decision to make the Hamilton building Roll On In’s fourth location was “an easy choice” for him and co-owner Michael McCarthy, who operate locations in Lebanon, Loveland and Clifton.
“Hamilton is doing everything right to grow businesses and bring people downtown,” he said.
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