Saiku Sushi joins Mountainlair dining lineup

A new restaurant is bringing some Eastern flavor and tradition to the Mountainlair this fall.

Saiku Sushi, a shop featuring fresh, handmade sushi, will be located beside Burger King and replace Freshens Smoothies. It is scheduled to open Monday August 20 with the beginning of classes.

David Friend, director of dining services at West Virginia University, believes the restaurant will provide a different eating experience as well as a healthy one.

"Our primary focus was to provide students with a unique dining concept that promotes additional healthy, international cuisine in the food court," he said.

The sushi shop previewed some of its menu in the food court twice last year. Friend said students showed interest in the restaurant.

"The student feedback was extremely positive. I believe that the addition of sushi on campus will provide our students additional variety, and this venue will allow students to pick up a quick, portable snack," he said.

Friend said Saiku Sushi will sell a variety of items for reasonable prices.

"The majority of items fall in the $5.75-$6.75 price range; however, there are some more expensive items available," he said. "Saiku Sushi will feature handcrafted sushi items prepared on-site. The menu includes 30 varieties of sushi, featuring everything from Alaska Roll to Veggie Maki Roll."

According to Friend, Saiku Sushi will not accept student meal plans.

"Unfortunately, dining plans will not be accepted, because the unit does not offer beverages and sides to create a meal; however, bonus bucks, meals plus, credit cards and cash will all be accepted," he said.

Saiku Sushi has been spreading to college campuses across the country.

"The company has been extremely successful and has recently opened several new locations from Texas to West Virginia," Friend said.