(May 29, 2015) Owner Kenny Diu has expanded his OC Wasabi brand by opening a new location, Wasabi Express, and joining forces with friends to add Juice Shack to his take-out restaurant on 16th Street and Philadelphia Avenue.
“It’s the perfect combination of selling healthy food with the location,” Diu said. “I like bringing new choices in town; things people have never had in their life.”
Wasabi Express will offer their popular sushi along with four Vietnamese sandwiches, Banh Mi, with options such as the Special Combo, on a roll with chicken, ham and vegetables.
“It’s very fresh and simple. You can taste the cilantro, cucumber and pickle with the meat,” Diu said. “It makes you feel happy and want to eat more.”
The landlord wanted Diu to bring his Japanese food downtown for years and 16th Street was too perfect for him to pass up.
After talking with friends, Paul and Lisa Carlotta, it was decided to split the business and rent. The Carlottas own Berlin Organics, an intimate family-owned farm, where they grow the fruits and vegetables used in organic juices and smoothies sold at the Juice Shack.
Construction started in February and the two healthy food choices opened up last Friday for Memorial Day weekend.
The new location will help with take-out orders in the summer when OC Wasabi on 33rd Street cannot handle the influx.
“We are at the beach, it’s fast and simple,” Diu said. “It’s quality, healthy food. People can drive up on a scooter, take a bus or walk by and grab a juice and sushi roll or sandwich.”
They do have 15 tables along the wall, but are primarily a grab and go operation.
Also, Wasabi Express has a small selection of sushi and Asian products.
During the summer, Wasabi Express will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on 16th Street and Philadelphia Avenue.
