Over the past two years, Nami Sushi has become one of the most popular restaurants in Uptown White Rock. With over 1,000 customer reviews on Uber Eats and a nearly perfect rating on review sites, it’s no wonder that customers come back to Nami time and time again!
However, their path to success was far from smooth. Owners Cash and Olivia originally opened the restaurant in 2020 and were immediately faced with not only the COVID-19 pandemic, but also with a restaurant fire that forced them to shut down their brand-new restaurant for nearly an entire year.
We visited Nami to experience their cuisine in person, and to chat with Cash about their journey so far. We hope you enjoy this interview with one of White Rock’s wonderful business owners!
Q: What inspired you to open Nami Sushi? What is your background in restaurant ownership or the culinary arts?
A: I am just too grateful to marry this smart woman in my life called Olivia, who has inspired me in every way and stops me from giving up on what I was good at.
Without her unconditional support and encouragement, Nami would not be able to portray its real character, and I would not be able to continue making sushi. I came so close to give up on it when I lost all the interest in working as a sushi chef.
As an owner now, I have learned that listening to other’s opinions is just as important as brushing on the knife skills, and a great owner does not happen “just like that”. It takes a long time to learn to be one, and I feel like I still have a long way to go to catch up.
https://whiterockbia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/561a441afeb64adc8c819cc9da718f4a-1.movQ: There have been some challenging setbacks in the opening of Nami Sushi, such as the fire in 2021. How have these events have impacted you and your team, and what your journey was in the first few years of this business?
A: For the first year and a half, my wife and I literally devoted all our time and effort into making Nami the best we could. Hard work got paid off, and it didn’t take too long to show the results.
However, luck didn’t stand on our side. A small fire accident almost destroyed our hope for 11 months. All our chefs waited patiently for us to reopen. They have taught me what was mutual respect was all about. Until today, still nobody would believe that story.
Our landlord, the Jackson Family, are also such great people who stood with us the whole time. Without them, the hope would fade away at end. The impact from this incident was harsh. Both us and our staff lost nearly one year’s incomes.
Q: After your successful re-opening, what are you looking forward to at Nami Sushi in the coming years?
A: In the upcoming year, our goal is to keep the same members and work closely with every single of them to make Nami better and better, not just the quality of our sushi, but also the service we are providing for everybody in White Rock. We want everyone to feel that we are like family. Dining at Nami is far beyond from enjoying the food itself, also the quality of the time you will have from Nami as well.
“This is one of the best spots to get sushi in White Rock! The food is top notch quality with beautiful presentation. You can tell that they use the best quality of fish for their sushi. I definitely will recommend this restaurant to all of my family and friends” Tatiana B. Google ReviewsQ: What inspiration do you take when creating your menu?
A: Since Vancouver is a multi-cultural city, we are inspirited by all different people in their unique backgrounds.
This has taught us to combine different ideas and blend them into the Japanese food culture. Our salmon carpaccio is a very good example of fusion dish of blending Italian taste into traditional Japanese food. It is a must-try dish from us!
Q: If you could recommend a perfect meal from the restaurant, what would it be?
A: From a chef’s point of view: salmon carpaccio, Aburi sushi (aka flame seared sushi), and premium sakes are the perfect combination from us. They work so well with each other!
“This Japanese restaurant offers an authentic and delightful dining experience. From the impeccable service to the exquisitely prepared sushi and sashimi, every aspect of my visit was exceptional.” Val T. Google ReviewsQ: Anything else?
A: We would like to say thank you to everybody from White Rock who has always shown us the greatest support and unconditional love. Without you guys, we will not be able to achieve where we are at right now and we will continue to do the best we could. We all love every and each one of you. You all mean a lot to us.
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Wow! It is amazing to see the perseverance and dedication that you and your family have put into your business. We are lucky to have you here in White Rock, and we wish Nami Sushi many years of success ahead!
To sample some of the yummy dishes featured in this post, visit Nami Sushi at 15169 Roper Avenue, White Rock.
View their entire menu here: https://www.namisushi.net/menu
Or, if having it delivered straight to your door is more your style, you can order from them directly at: https://www.foodbooking.com/ordering/restaurant/menu?restaurant_uid=205d0fd0-4b43-4e33-b786-0c648cbe223f
Thank you, Cash, Olivia, and your entire team, for sharing your story and talents with us!
“They have made everything with love, care and creativity!!! The freshness is beyond incredible. The owners have worked so hard to build this place and have really created a warm, inviting and delicious place to eat. Everyone who works here is so friendly, caring and makes sure to go above & beyond. If you haven’t been here you’re doing it wrong. Support this awesome local business and have the best sushi of your life !!!!!” Eleni P. Google Reviews*answers edited for clarity.
ABOUT THE WHITE ROCK BIA
The White Rock BIA (Business Improvement Association) advocates for economic development in our beautiful City by the Sea. We support local businesses through marketing and promotional activities, coordinating local events (Concerts by the Pier, White Rock Jazz & Blues Festival, White Rock Craft Beer Festival and many more!), beautification projects, communicating community changes, and by advocating on behalf of businesses.
If you have a new business in White Rock, please get in touch so we can support you! You can reach us at (604) 536-4958 or via email at info@whiterockbia.com .
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The White Rock BIA gratefully acknowledges that we reside, work, and represent businesses located on the unceded traditional territories of the Semiahmoo First Nation People, who have lived here since time immemorial.
