With the shifting of one Asian-themed restaurant and the recent revamping of another, East Lansing's restaurant scene is trading tastes.
Deli sandwiches and caterphilla, a Japanese dish mixing bite-sized squares of cucumber, avocado and other ingredients, might not be the most likely food items on a single restaurant menu, but James Kang hopes to expand horizons and dining options.
"We want to accommodate many different groups," said Kang, manager of Sushi & Deli, 547 E. Grand River Ave., which opens today. "Some places concentrate on their own groups, but we deal with all areas."
Sushi & Deli will offer authentic Japanese cuisine in addition to featuring a deli preparing homemade sandwiches and a variety of other treats daily, Kang said. Bubble tea, a popular Japanese item, also will be served, as well as specially prepared fruit-juice drinks when warmer weather arrives.
"Americans love Japanese food, but not as every dish," Kang said. "People can come here for different kinds of food."
Sushi & Deli is an "expansion" of Tokyo 1, a Japanese restaurant that closed last month after less than six months in business. Kang, who has operated several sushi bars in the state for five years, said Tokyo 1 manager Jun Jin approached him about redeveloping the space after he "ran out of gas" and decided to close late last year, Kang said.
The spot previously housed Espresso Royale Caffe, Café Mania and Confection Connection, an ice cream shop that thrived in that location during the 1980s, East Lansing community development analyst Stephanie Gingerich said.
Jin said he initially was drawn to the area by its bustling scene and diverse environment, but business quickly took a downturn.
"You can't make a profit," he said, adding that the city is "not a good place" for some small or independent businesses. "There is a lot of competition."
After Tokyo 1 closed, preparations and remodeling began.
"We're excited to be in a college town and serve young people," cook Kim Young said.
Another local Asian restaurant also has undergone a transformation. After more than 16 years, Murasaki Restaurant, 116 Bailey St., morphed into Shiki in December.
Shiki, meaning "purple season," now houses a revamped dining area featuring red lighting, a small bubbling fountain and pinewood tables in a small, Japanese-style enclave complete with screens draped in silky cloth.
"We are trying to distinguish ourselves more," owner Hiroshi Tanimoto said, adding that Sunday bargain specials have been added for students.
Sushi bars and Asian-themed restaurants are booming in East Lansing - as many as seven exist within a 10-mile radius, said Kristyn Sorensen, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Restaurant Association.
Since last spring, Sushi-Ya, Omi, B & B Café, MSU Rice Kitchen, Kimchi Korean BBQ and Vietopia Café all have opened. Sorensen said this reflects the local restaurant industry continually changing to suit "a big mix of customers" and their diverse palates.
"Every day, a new restaurant concept is introduced," she said, adding that ethnic-themed stops are blossoming nationwide. "Mexican, Thai and Chinese restaurants have grown at a much greater pace in the last five years."
James Kong, manager of B & B Café, 553 E. Grand River Ave., which opened in September, said his establishment thrives despite competition.
"It's getting better and better," he said. "It takes time to get a reputation."
Jim van Ravensway, East Lansing community planning and development director, said although Asian restaurants "keep springing up," it is unknown whether the area's market has reached its saturation point.
"Asian cuisine is so popular in general," he said. "Different types of cuisine in the area is better - they are all in competition with each other for a unique dining experience."
Mechanical engineering senior Alex Huber is not as optimistic.
"There are too many - I haven't been to all of them," he said.
East Lansing resident Jessica Bradbury is wary of the restaurant influx.
"A couple of them popped up, then everyone jumped on the bandwagon," she said.
