TEMECULA, Calif. — (July 19, 2022) – The popularity of sushi in America remains undeniable. Studies show more than 65-percent of diners in the United States enjoy sushi on a somewhat regular basis. Sake also is experiencing a sizable surge in status. Pechanga Resort Casino’s leadership already saw the draw for guests to Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar since its opening in 2015. Now, the sought after sushi stop will get an expansion to its bar and lounge area. Pechanga construction crews will be expanding the restaurant’s bar to include seven additional bartop seats. The restaurant’s lounge area adjacent to the casino floor will also grow to include 10 more seats. Upon completion, Umi’s bar and lounge area will offer a total of 37 seats for guests to enjoy craft cocktails, beer, wine and even Umi’s appetizers, entrées and desserts.
Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar’s current underwater, sea foam interior design theme incorporating the look of colorful sea glass and sunken jewels within the railings will be carried into the additional seating area. Modern and LED-lit display shelving with new, custom woodworking in the expansion area’s bar and ceiling provides an inviting aesthetic. Five new 55-inch flat screen TVs where guests can watch their favorite sports or highlights set off the extended bar gives it a truly four diamond look and feel.
Start of work on the bar expansion is slated to begin in mid-July which follows Pechanga’s 2nd Annual Sushi & Sake Festival on July 9. Pechanga’s leadership says Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar regular dining hours will be in effect during construction, and guests should not notice much going on at all as Umi opens at 5 p.m. for dinner Wednesdays through Sundays.
In late 2021, food and beverage experts predicted a 23.9-percent market size growth in sushi restaurants in the United States for 2022. A recent report by Fortune Business Insights cites the sake industry is expected to grow from its $7.35 billion mark in 2018 to $10.47 billion by 2026. Ahead of the trend, Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar was voted the number two best casino restaurant in the country by the readers of USA Today’s 10Best several years ago.
Pechanga’s Food & Beverage Department will usher in new cocktails upon completion of Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar’s expansion completion.