TakoSushi is opening a new location in Lexington. Here's what we know (2024)

COLUMBIA— TakoSushi, a Japanese-Mexican fusion concept with restaurants across South Carolina and Georgia, is slated to open its newest location in Lexington.

The restaurant, located at 102 C-W. Main St., will have its grand opening on Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. It will join other TakoSushi spots in serving both Latin and Asian fare, including shrimp shumai, southwest tuna tartare and over 25 signature sushi rolls.

"Lexington isn't just a new location for us — it's home," said Chris Sullivan, founder and co-owner ofFood People Restaurant Group and co-owner of TakoSushi, in an Aug. 30 press release. "Seeing this close-knit community embrace a wide variety of cuisines inspired us to add TakoSushi's flavors to the mix."

According to Rob Shirley, vice president of operations at TakoSushi, the decision to expand to Lexington will serve his team as much as it will serve local guests.

"Many of our associates inside of our company are from the Lexington area," he said in an interview with Free Times. "We knew how vibrant and great the community was, and we just wanted to be a part of it."

In another expansion into Lexington County, the restaurant group recently opened a location of Crave Artisan Market in West Columbia in the former Primal Gourmet space.

Established in 2008, TakoSushi now boasts eight locations across the Palmetto and Peach states. The new Lexington location offers 2,100 square feet, as well as over 100 seats in its indoor and outdoor dining areas. Nearby attractions include the Icehouse Ampitheater and Virginia Hylton Park.

"Lexington’s warm and friendly atmosphere really resonates with us and aligns perfectly with our approach to hospitality," said James Williams, president of Food People and co-owner of TakoSushi. “We look forward to TakoSushi being a place where families and friends can gather, make memories and enjoy great food together."

From Sept. 5 through Sept. 9, the first 25 guests each day to visit the new TakoSushi during opening week will be eligible for free queso for a year— but Shirley and the rest of the TakoSushi team are confident that Lexington diners won't need an incentive to try the food for themselves.

"The idea of far-East-meets-far-West is an exciting culinary concept," he said. "On top of that, we're very people-focused, whether it be our internal people or outside of our company. That's the biggest thing we're proud of."