The Town of Amherst recently celebrated Smile Sushi's move to its new downtown location with the presentation of a Business Certificate, recognizing the restaurant's continued investment in the community.
Councillor Terry McManaman and Deputy Mayor Charlie Chambers presented the certificate to owner and chef Joy Song, along with her husband Charles and daughter Daisy, at the restaurant's new location at 55 Victoria Street East.
Smile Sushi has been serving Amherst for several years, first operating on Albion Street before moving to the Amherst Centre Mall. The Songs had always hoped to eventually have a space of their own and return to the downtown area.
That opportunity came when they noticed a vacant storefront while driving along Victoria Street. The location offered a dedicated restaurant and kitchen space, along with the visibility, foot traffic, and steady vehicle traffic they were looking for.
The family has put considerable effort into making the new space their own. Charles designed the restaurant's bright, modern interior, and the renovation was completed in approximately two months with help from local electricians, plumbers, sign makers, and other businesses.
The move marks the latest chapter in a business that started small. Before coming to Amherst, Joy gained experience preparing and selling food at farmers' markets in New Brunswick. After moving to the area, she saw an opportunity to offer something that was difficult to find locally: fresh sushi.
Over the years, Smile Sushi has built a loyal customer base. The family says one of the best parts of operating a business in Amherst is getting to know regular customers, recognizing familiar faces and building relationships with the people they serve. That support was particularly evident when the new location opened, with an enthusiastic response from customers during its first week.
Joy's advice to others considering opening a business in Amherst reflects her own experience: start small, learn what local customers are looking for and grow from there.
The family hopes their investment will contribute to the continued growth and vitality of downtown Amherst.
The Town of Amherst congratulates Joy, Charles and the entire Smile Sushi team on their new location and thanks them for continuing to invest in Amherst.
