Genki Sushi has opened its doors in Battle Ground as a new restaurant in the area.
After a soft opening on Thursday, Feb. 9, the business has received over two dozen five star reviews on Google.
Customers have called Genki Sushi “‘high quality” and the “best sushi ever.” If sushi isn’t your thing, the menu includes a variety of noodle or rice dishes as well as appetizers.
Genki Sushi is owned by retired Marine Corps veteran Eddie Zhen. Zhen is a first generation immigrant.
The restaurant industry is in his blood as his family operates Taste of Asia and a couple of other restaurants in Vancouver.
“When I was stationed in Japan for two years over there, I went to many sushi restaurants,” Zhen said.
At that time, Zhen befriended owners of the restaurants, which ultimately led to his desire of owning his own.
Zhen, who comes from a Chinese background, said he was used to food that was cooked.
“The thought of eating something raw was unimaginable,” he said, but that later changed.
Zhen explained the in-depth process of perfecting sushi.
Nigiri sushi may seem simple. It features rice with a slice of raw fish on top, but certain rice has to have its own mixture, temperature and must abide by other factors.
“Sushi rice is very different,” Zhen said. “There is a science to it.”
As for the salmon, it’s important to get a fresh product. Zhen said fresh caught salmon from the Columbia River won’t cut it.
“Those salmon came from the Pacific Ocean. They swam 200 miles to get here,” Zhen said. “They are mean and lean and don’t have fat. In salmon, you want to look for the white marble, which is the fat.”
Zhen explained they have to “quick freeze” the salmon they receive for 72 hours to make sure it’s suitable to eat.
“It is not what people think, like raw fish on top,” Zhen explained. “It’s cooked, but cooked differently in a quick freezer.”
Genki Sushi offers a diverse selection of dishes. Menu categories include appetizers, classic rolls, nigiri, premium rolls and noodle dishes. The most popular items on the menu are the house roll, chicken lo mein and the alcoholic beverage, Sake, which can be served hot or cold. The rice dishes and rice noodle dishes are gluten free and come with a choice of chicken, beef, shrimp or vegetables.
There is even a special menu item for Battle Ground. The “specialty roll” section features the Battle Ground roll, which includes cucumber, spicy tuna, shrimp, avocado, sweet chili sauce, peanuts and green onion.
Genki Sushi in Battle Ground is separate from the corporation with the same name, which includes restaurants in Hawaii and one in Renton.
Zhen registered his Genki Sushi restaurant with the state of Washington, which did not show him any warning signs of a company with the same name. Zhen said he is now facing an infringement lawsuit with Genki Sushi USA, who has trademarked Genki Sushi.
In an effort to avoid the lawsuit, Zhen has asked the community of Battle Ground for advice regarding his signage and the situation.
Genki Sushi is closed on Tuesdays. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from noon to 9 p.m. on the weekends.
The business is located near the Battle Ground Fred Meyer at 11 NW 12th Ave., Suite 104, in Battle Ground.
People can view the menu and place online orders at genkis
ushibg.com. The business can also be reached by phone at 360-667-1000.
