Sushi’s U.S. strongholds and shifting consumer demand

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🍽️ What’s Cooking?

Immigration raids hurting Texas restaurants

Restaurants in Texas are reporting sharp drops in sales after immigration enforcement actions. Owners say customers—especially Latino families—are staying home out of fear when ICE conducts raids nearby. Some restaurants have lost up to 40% of sales. Staff attendance is also down, both because workers fear for their own safety and because of the stress of potential immigration-related incidents. The instability is hitting both business and community trust. ​Read more.

🃏 Running a Smoother Kitchen

“Shift Signal Tokens” for real-time role coverage

Give each kitchen station a set of small colored tokens (stickers or clips) labeled for key roles (e.g. prep, food runner, expeditor). At shift start, assign tokens to those roles. If someone needs help, they drop their token at a visible “assistance board.” This immediately signals to supervisors and coworkers where gaps are—no verbal call-outs needed. It improves support, cuts down delays, and helps everyone stay aware of staffing coverage during busy service periods.

🚀 Scaling Up

Tahini’s opens first U.S. restaurant in Loves Park, Illinois

Tahini’s, a fast-growing Canadian chain specializing in Mediterranean fusion (shawarma, bowls, etc.), is launching its first U.S. location in Loves Park, Illinois, at 1521 E. Riverside Blvd. This marks the brand’s entry into the U.S. market. The franchise group behind the new store highlights a menu with house-made sauces and a mix of global flavors. Plans are already in the works for further U.S. expansion in New Jersey, Florida, and more cities. Read more.

🦾 Fresh Ideas

Sushi’s U.S. strongholds and shifting consumer demand

Recent analysis has tried to map out “where the sushi capitals of the U.S. are” — that includes regions with both high supply and strong demand for quality sushi. Key trends: consumers increasingly seek authentic preparation, unique fish types, and fusion styles (sushi + local flavors). Cities outside the traditional coastal strongholds are rising in sushi interest, prompting opportunity for restaurants to differentiate through freshness, sourcing, and creativity. ​Read more

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