SUSHI, an outdoor sushi concept, to join STEAK in Tremont this spring.
Since opening in Tremont this past summer, STEAK (2179 W. 11th St., 216-331-2724) has been on a remarkable ride.

“It’s been a very, very nice success,” says owner Jason Beudert.

But the one-of-a-kind experience that diners enjoy inside would not likely translate to a patio setting, he says. So Beudert and his partners – Terry Francona and Chelsea Williams of Hangry Brands – have been exploring options for the outdoor spaces on the side and rear of the building.

“We knew we had to do something different, so we’re going to create a fun concept called SUSHI – and I’m partnering with Rachel Hsu of Sushi 86 on it,” adds Beudert.

The seasonal venture will emerge this spring and include a sushi food truck, mobile bar cart, and secluded 30-seat courtyard. As with STEAK, Beudert is leaning into high design combined with a high-energy, “Tokyo-style vibe.”

Local diners have been enjoying Rachel Hsu’s sushi since 2000, when she and her husband Mike opened their first shop on Public Square. Recently, Sushi 86 moved from the 5th Street Arcades to an attractive new restaurant at Harbor Verandas next to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

With SUSHI, explains Hsu, diners can expect something a little different.

“We have been rolling sushi in Downtown Cleveland for 25 years and understand what Clevelanders enjoy when it comes to sushi,” she says. “But being in Tremont will allow us to flex and have some fun while staying true to what we do best.”

Hsu, along with resident sushi chef Dominique Moon, will prepare delicious, affordable and “Instagrammable” sushi, they promise.

“A signature trademark of SUSHI is that all sushi white rice will be dyed a vibrant pink using organic beet juice,” they state.

Diners can look forward to a menu of starters, traditional sushi and signature rolls.

STEAK operating partner Julia Licastro is already at work crafting a whimsical cocktail program for SUSHI that stays on brand. Diners can look forward to drinks like summery cocktails, sake slushies and plenty of spritzes, all served up in fun vessels.

Beudert is well aware of the sushi options in the neighborhood. This new venture is aiming for a completely different vibe, he says.

“There are a lot of amazing high-end sushi joints in the area, but SUSHI will be a fun, casual, delicious, and most importantly, affordable sushi joint. If you want fancy sushi, this is not your spot.”

Weather permitting, SUSHI will be open the same hours as STEAK.

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For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.