Scottsdale is rolling out the red carpet for a new taste sensation as James Beard Award-winner Tyson Cole is about to slice into the Valley's sushi scene. The maestro of maki plans to open the doors to Uchi on February 1, in Old Town Scottsdale, where he promises a unique twist on the classic sushi bar experience. According to Phoenix Business Journal, Cole gushed about the venture, "This is such a restaurant city... Being part of this restaurant community in Scottsdale and Phoenix is super exciting. So many great concepts have started in these towns here."
While the valley isn't exactly a desert when it comes to sushi spots, Cole is confident Uchi will cast its own shadow. With a mission to deliver 'perfect bites,' Uchi Scottsdale will feature a core menu complemented by a dynamic daily seasonal selection, designed to showcase local ingredients and creative flair. This eater haunt will have capacity to seat 207 patrons, sporting the largest bar that Hai Hospitality has ever erected.
But Uchi isn't just about dishing out sushi; it's a brand with hooks in six major cities, including a recent debut in Los Angeles. Scottsdale felt like the perfect spot on Cole’s expanding culinary map, forming a natural segue from the glitz of L.A. to the thriving epicurean landscape of Arizona. "It pretty much seemed like a no brainer," said Cole, in a statement obtained by the Phoenix Business Journal.
After slicing and dicing since 2003, Cole’s empire has grown into multiple concepts under Hai Hospitality, encompassing the likes of Uchi, Uchiko, and LORO Asian Smokehouse & Bar. While Phoenix is the latest on the chopping block, he hinted at the possibility of more Hai Hospitality concepts blooming in the Valley, should Uchi find fertile ground, as stated by the Phoenix Business Journal.
Uchi's interior, a blend of Arizona and Japanese design elements, is the collaborative effort of Hai Design Studio and architecture firms AV3 and Hazelbaker Rush. It aims to craft an atmosphere as nuanced and carefully assembled as the cuisine it serves, ensuring that each guest's experience is as meticulously crafted as their sushi rolls.
