New sushi restaurant ready to rock-n-roll this summer

Rock N’ Roll Sushi is expected to open in the coming months, but franchisee Jennifer Chancy is not yet ready to announce a definitive opening date.

“I can have a planned opening date for anything I want, but the smallest thing can push it back,” Chancy said. “I don’t want to promise people something and it doesn’t come true.”

When the location opens in the new three-unit building at 3750 Frederica Street (across from the old Texas Gas building), Chancy said she wants to replicate the same feeling she had when she walked in for the first time in a Rock N’ Roll Sushi.

She remembers visiting a friend in Alabama who brought her to the restaurant. At the time, she loved sushi, but she was immediately drawn to the restaurant’s atmosphere as soon as she walked in.

“It’s rock and roll themed, obviously, but when you walk in the door, it’s like walking into a concert. It was super appealing to me because of all the neon, red and black; it’s just a really interesting concept to me,” she said.

This location is the first in Kentucky for the chain, and it will have some unique features compared to others Chancy has visited.

She noted that the restaurant’s front will feature a patio — something she’s never seen before — as well as an open-concept kitchen.

“Our (floor plan) is an open concept, so you can see them preparing food in the kitchen. It’s just going to be very different than they’ve ever experienced before,” Chancy said.

Chancy has also been active on Facebook promoting the business and is grateful for the support she has already received. She said she was taking a risk in opening her business, but with the support of the community and her business partner Candice Maddox, she looks forward to the day they can start welcoming customers.

“It relieves me to see how many people are excited about this, and it makes me excited to be able to reach so many people,” she said. “This is a franchise business, but I’m an Owensboro local. I’m a local business, so I appreciate it.

Chancy said as they get closer to opening, they will have more updates on hiring and other highlights.

Their menu includes classic sushi rolls like California, Rainbow, and Eel rolls, but they also change it up with their “Headliners” rolls.

The company began in Mobile, Alabama, with Lance and Gerri Mach Hallmark opening the first store in 2010. More than a decade later, the sushi chain has grown to more than 50 locations across the South -East.