OMAKAI sushi Launches Expansion Plans with Chicago Debut, Plus New Orlando and Brickell Locations
Accessible omakase brand debuts its sushi and hand roll bar concepts in Chicago, with additional locations to follow.
MIAMI and CHICAGO, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OMAKAI, the sushi concept from South Florida known for delivering high-quality, traditional sushi at an accessible price point, today announced its first expansion outside of Florida with two new Chicago locations. The brand will debut its flagship OMAKAI sushi concept in Fulton Market and its hand roll bar concept in River North, marking OMAKAI's official entry into a new market and the first step in a new chapter of growth.
Since opening its doors in Wynwood in 2019, OMAKAI has built a devoted following by making omakase approachable for all, expanding across South Florida to Coconut Grove, Doral, Aventura and Downtown, with Brickell to follow. The move to Chicago brings that same signature experience – thoughtfully crafted sushi and hand rolls with warm rice and crispy nori, served in a relaxed, welcoming setting – to one of the top dining destinations in the country.
The OMAKAI sushi location, at 951 W Fulton Market, will accommodate 66 guests on the first floor and will also include a basement bar. The OMAKAI hand roll bar location, at 507 N Wells Street in River North, can seat 30 guests at the bar. Both locations are slated to open before the end of the year, and will offer lunch, happy hour, and dinner. OMAKAI's signature 'Homeakase' sushi boxes will also be available for takeout and delivery via UberEats.
In addition to the Chicago openings, OMAKAI also signed its first lease in Orlando, adding a new Florida market to its footprint, and will further deepen its Miami presence with a new OMAKAI sushi location and a new OMAKAI hand roll bar in Brickell. Together, these openings mark the most significant period of growth in OMAKAI's history – extending the brand into a major new city while solidifying its roots across Florida.
"Expanding beyond Florida for the first time is a defining moment for everyone who has been part of the OMAKAI journey," said Diego Quijada, founder and CEO of OMAKAI. "The unwavering support of our community is what has driven every step of our growth, and it's exactly what gives us the confidence to bring our concept to a city like Chicago that truly celebrates great food. We can't wait to introduce a whole new community to accessible omakase, with warm rice, crispy nori and kind service every single time."
Additional details on exact opening dates, hours, and reservations will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information about OMAKAI's expansion plans, please follow @omakaisushi and @omakaihandrollbar on Instagram. To make a reservation at one of the existing locations, please visit omakai.com.
About OMAKAI
OMAKAI is redefining sushi by making an authentic omakase experience accessible to everyone. Founded in 2019 by brothers Diego and Pedro Quijada, along with friend Nicolas Sayavedra and Chef Aaron Pate, OMAKAI is built on the Japanese concept of Omotenashi — hospitality from the heart, honest and without pretension. Guests are invited to trust the chef and "leave it up to us," indulging in seasonal, chef-selected appetizers, nigiri and hand rolls at an approachable price. With sushi and hand roll bar concepts across South Florida (with Chicago coming soon), OMAKAI is best known for its warm rice, crispy nori and kind service.
Media Contact:
Dana Rozansky
Director of Marketing
SOURCE OMAKAI
Share this article