St. Louis sushi mainstay Wasabi Sushi Bar is rolling out a new, speed-focused concept aimed at meeting growing demand for takeout and online ordering. Founded in 2003, the locally based brand will debut Wasabi Express, a fast-casual spinoff designed to deliver the same quality sushi in a more streamlined format.
The first Wasabi Express location is planned for 309 Clarkson Road in Ellisville, a move the company said was driven by both market demand and geography. Ellisville’s strong suburban customer base and convenient access made it an ideal testing ground for the concept without encroaching on Wasabi’s six existing full-service restaurants. “It allows us to introduce the Express format without overlapping our current locations,” said John Kim, principal of Wasabi Sushi Bar.
Unlike the brand’s traditional restaurants, Wasabi Express will feature a pared-down menu focused on speed and consistency. Roughly one-third of the full-service menu will be available, centered on Wasabi’s most popular offerings, including maki rolls, appetizers, bowls and mini bento boxes. Items will be portioned and formatted specifically for the Express model. According to Kim, the smaller menu is intentional. “A tighter menu supports faster service, better consistency and a smoother takeout experience, while still maintaining our quality standards,” he said.
The Express concept is designed to complement, not replace, Wasabi’s existing locations. Kim emphasized that the company has no plans to convert any current restaurants to the Express format, noting that each model serves a distinct purpose within the brand’s broader strategy.
Construction on the approximately 2,000-square-foot space is expected to begin this spring, with Spiegelglass Construction Company leading the buildout. The location will offer seating for about 40 guests across indoor and outdoor areas, along with an exterior drive-up pickup window dedicated to online orders, reflecting the concept’s emphasis on off-premise dining. The project is expected to be completed later this year, pending construction timelines.
At a time when many restaurants are pulling back, Wasabi’s expansion may seem counterintuitive. Kim said the decision is rooted in long-term thinking rather than short-term trends. “We’re expanding in a measured way, based on sustained customer demand and more than 20 years of operating experience in the St. Louis market,” he said.
Looking ahead, Wasabi plans to remain focused on careful growth and operational strength while continuing to evolve. “Our goal is thoughtful expansion that stays true to what has worked for us for over two decades,” Kim said.