Conveyor Belt Sushi Rolls Right Out of Boston

A Seaport sushi restaurant known for its signature conveyor belt system for delivering dishes to tables has bowed out of the neighborhood. Yo Sushi (stylized as Yo! Sushi), a London-based chain that opened in a mixed-use development on Seaport Boulevard two years ago, has closed down, leaving a message in its window thanking customers for their support.

A Twitter post included the photo of the sign posted in the Yo Sushi window, which read: “It is with regret that we are announcing that due to some recent changes, Yo! Sushi has had to close. We wanted to thank our regulars and not so regulars for their loyal support over the past two years. We wish the future occupants of this space success. It has been a pleasure serving you.”

Yo Sushi aimed to serve an izakaya-style menu, which consisted of various sushi options like maki, nigiri, hand rolls, and sashimi. The menu also included other items like gyoza, chicken wings, and specials. Dishes circulated the restaurant on a conveyor belt, and diners could either select those plates or order from servers at the table. Conveyor belt plates were priced in the range of $3 to $7 and were counted at the end of the meal to determine the bill.

Boston’s Yo Sushi was the first stand-alone location in the United States, though there were mall locations in Florida, New Jersey, and New York. Eater has reached out for more details on the reason for the closure and will post any updates should new information become available.

Update, 10/31, 10:30 a.m.: Yo! Sushi has reportedly closed all of its U.S. locations to refocus its efforts, following its acquisition of Bento Sushi in 2017. Yo! Sushi’s corporate office made the following statement:

Following the acquisition of Bento Sushi, which has a strong presence in North America through its kiosks and supermarket-based sushi bars, our focus in the US has changed. As such, we will be closing the Boston Site as we look to take full advantage of Bento’s already established position as the second largest sushi brand in North America.

Indochino, a store for custom menswear, will replace Yo! Sushi in Boston’s Seaport. The store is expected to open in early 2019.

• Yo! Sushi in Boston’s Seaport District Has Closed [BRT]
• Yo! Sushi Coverage on Eater [EBOS]