Macey’s Launches In-Store Sushi Restaurant in Utah

Macey’s, an Associated Food Stores (AFS) banner, has introduced a new dining concept called White Pine Sushi at its Macey’s Little Cottonwood location in Sandy, Utah. The sushi bar opened on May 15 as part of the grand opening celebration, offering a unique in-store restaurant experience that aims to enhance customers’ shopping trips by providing a variety of freshly made Japanese cuisine.

Features of White Pine Sushi:

• Menu Variety: The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including traditional and specialty rolls, tempura rolls, bento boxes, rice bowls, and desserts.
• Customer Experience: It caters to different tastes and dietary preferences, providing both quick bites and more leisurely dining experiences. The in-store seating area offers a comfortable place to enjoy meals.

This launch aligns with Macey’s commitment to meeting the evolving tastes of consumers by offering high-quality, diverse food options. The store’s innovative approach is in line with industry trends, where major retailers like Kroger, Walmart, and Gelson’s have also incorporated sushi into their foodservice offerings to meet rising demand for healthier and more diverse meal options.

Industry Impact and Growth:

• Rising Popularity of Sushi: As sushi becomes a staple in American households, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) has formed the NFI Sushi Council to ensure high standards of food safety and product integrity in the growing sushi market.
• Retailers Adopting Sushi: The increasing interest in sushi has prompted many grocers to offer it as part of their in-store dining services, meeting consumer demands for fresh, healthy, and convenient meals.

About Associated Food Stores (AFS):

AFS, a grocery retailer cooperative based in Salt Lake City, serves independently owned supermarkets across the western United States. Macey’s is a key player in this cooperative and ranks No. 73 on Progressive Grocer’s 2024 PG 100 list of top food and consumables retailers in North America.