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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
This is an exciting time to be in Salt Lake City. It's developing into a cosmopolitan city right before our eyes. Kelly Shiotani and Kirk Terashima are hoping to tap into this with the recent opening of their restaurant, Dojo.
These two business owners combined have 29 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality business. They're Utahns through and through, having been born and raised here. As they've watched Salt Lake City make its transition, they felt they had a unique niche they could offer this growing city.
They want to create a sushi bar where people could relax and have a drink after work. Their desire is for Dojo to cater to people in the business world. It's located in the Rio Grande building right between the Homewood Suites Hilton and Iggy's Sports Bar and Grill. Kelly says the new concept is built on exceptional cuisine, excellent service and great value.
With Downtown Rising soon to be complete, companies like the Dojo are only going to add to Salt Lake City ‘s appeal. It's another great local restaurant. And the owners are doing their best to buy local as much as possible. When we purchase a product made in Utah, it has the effect of adding $4-$6 to our local economy.
Kelly says what sets the Dojo apart is Kirk's ability to take a traditional sushi roll and put his own spin on it. With the Pork Belly Sliders, he's developed his own spice rub. He also makes the Dojo Ramen Noodles from scratch, again using his own recipe.
Kelly and Kirk say communication has been key to their restaurant's success. They have to keep each other in the loop about what's going on and also make sure their employees know. Treating their employees with respect has also been an important part of their business venture so they'll give the best service and want to stay for a long time.
They anticipate watching the Dojo became a destination restaurant as more people discover what it has to offer.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
