BY KYLIE IRWIN
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Ninja Sushi and Teriyaki is a locally owned restaurant and bar owned by sushi master, Chef Steve. I walked into the restaurant and was immediately greeted and seated by the friendly, inviting staff. The restaurant offers a fun and family-friendly environment.

Each of the employees were very nice and helpful. I look forward to seeing them when I return.

The setting was very relaxed but also fun.

Ninja has moved on to a bigger and better space. They took over the former Sammy Hagar space at 263 Vernon Street in Downtown Roseville. They were previously in a smaller location on Pleasant Grove. The new place is much larger compared to the original, and creates a much different environment. However, it retains the intimacy of the orignal location

The restaurant is currently in a “soft opening,” and it’s official grand opening is on April 22nd.

Employee Roman Zazhitskiy has worked at Ninja nearly since the beginning. He loves working there and was excited about the new location.

“I started out here when it first opened, and it was very slow,” Zazhitskiy said. “Just seeing how the business grew and knowing that it has expanded to something bigger is exciting.”

Chef Steve seems to know what he’s doing and expanding to the new location has brought in new and old customers.

Unfortunately, the original location has been closed down. I personally think that they should have kept both locations open. While this undertaking was surely expensive, there would have been more customer opportunities and not lose a much-loved original location.

Customer Jose Tolentino has been eating at Ninja since the beginning and had high anticipation for its newest addition.

“They have really good service,” Talentino said. “That’s why we keep coming back. That’s another thing that will make this place grow.”

The environment is not the only thing that continues to bring customers back. I personally do not eat sushi, but many of my friends and family all agree that their food keeps them coming back. As of now, there are no new rolls. and the menu has stayed almost exactly the same since the move.

Sophomore Kaden Schmittner was previously a customer at Ninja, but he now is an employee there.

“I definitely think the environment differs,” Schmittner said. “Having a stage, having music playing and having a bigger space affects the atmosphere a lot.”

Schmittner expects the space to feel more like a club, once the grand opening has passed. They plan to have many bands playing, and karaoke nights to fill the large space.

After the grand opening, they plan to have live music playing on their stage, and are occasionally going to be offer karaoke nights.

Ninja Sushi and Teriyaki is a very nice place to go and I know many people are excited for the official grand opening in a few weeks.