Kinjo Sushi & Grill Westhills — Restaurant in Calgary

Ordered food for pick up today. Added a couple takeout sushi packages and when I went to pay, the girl seemed flustered by cash. I gave her 25.00 and saw she called over another young lady. They both seemed to struggle with the change, which I mentioned twice was 1.70. Then I was told they had no change and I had to wait while they scrambled to find change. When the second person returned, she handed me 1.05. I told her it should be 1.70, but by this point I was so annoyed, I just left. Normally I wouldn't care about my change, however I wasn't happy with the customer service I received when I arrived. I order take out from this location all the time, and notice the front line is always a little chaotic. Today was unbelievable. The sushi I usually take to go, is normally pretty good. Today's seemed not so good. The rice had a little crunch to it like it was day old. Bottom line is why is they need someone at the front who is more knowledgeable on math. And just to reiterate, I really just waited for the change to see how it was handled. I was ready to leave that and a toonie as a tip, ad I have grown up in the food industry, however after the debacle I experienced with the front line, I changed my mind. Don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. Seems to have gone downhill a little in the past year or so 👎

UPDATE... Emailed as per the reply. Never received a reply. Replies are for show only. Do better Kinjo!

Update no. 2! Gave them another chance yesterday, cause I was in the area and was craving agadashi tofu. Service was definitely better. However when I was eating it, I came across a few harder and chewier pieces, which i had never encountered before with anybody tofu I've eaten. Called to inform them to possibly check their tofu for freshness or other issues. Even handed over to the manager. I don't know what to say anymore. I really used to love this place and ordered religiously at least 2-3 times a month. I don't want to keep complaining, but I feel like they don't take the customer's complaints seriously. They are all talk when you do chat with them, but at the same time they seem very confused?! Im not sure there is proper management in this particular location. I am attaching a picture of the chewy pieces,which in turn have turned to a tough...

Ordered one of their order-ahead special occasion platter promotions but thanks to the doordash process being confusing, I'm left with ABSOLUTE DISAPPOINTMENT WITH KINJO SUSHI WESTHILLS CUSTOMER SERVICE. Long story short, showed up to pick up the platter and it wasn't there. Turns out it was arranged for a day earlier, but there is no notification, no phone call to say order not picked up.

There were 2 other people who likewise arrived to get their platters only to find their name wasn't on the list either.

So first, my platter was not made on the right day, and I suppose this is ultimately my own fault. After we didn't show up yesterday, there's still no notification, so we wasted our time going there today.

Worst of all, the only solution offered was a refund, which I regret accepting and letting Kinjo off the hook. I can't eat a refund.

Mr. Peter Kinjo, for years we have been going, taking our friends and family, and talking all the time about how great Kinjo Sushi is. With the recent opening in Edmonton, I've been basically your fanboy telling everyone I know in Edmonton they should go.

1. I feel like this experience could have been salvaged today, but instead I was just blamed for the mistake and sent on my way with a refund.
2. You outsource parts of this special occasion platter experience to doordash and this not the first time Kinjo has thrown a subcontractor under the bus and deflected responsibility. (The other time it was something silly: the egg in my ramen had eggshell on it, but I was told they are supposed to come peeled from your supplier, really???)
3. Whether it is a training issue, an attitude issue, or a culture issue, the impression is that customers are not valued much over your image or profits.

We will be taking a break from visiting Kinjo and trying some other restaurants in Calgary. There are many great options to choose from after all. Maybe we'll take another look some day if I hear...

Update Review 2025 From 2 stars up to 3 stars

I've been a regular at Kinjo for years, and my opinion of the place has changed slightly since three years ago. However, the one person who truly made a difference and prompted me to update my review today is a server named Enya. I recently learned that she was relocated from another Kinjo down south to Westhills two years ago, yet despite visiting this location almost three times a week, I had never been served by her until now.

And wow! what a parallel shift from all those boys! I've never had such outstanding service before. If it were up to me, I'd appoint her as the front-of-house supervisor immediately and have her train the rest of the staff, who often seem to be running around aimlessly.

Enya, thank you for the exceptional service, you’re an absolute gem! 💎

Update Reviews 2022 From 5 stars down to 2 stars

Unfortunately my last few experiences at Kinjo are is really not the same as when there first open! Kinjo has been degrading from friendliness customer services all the way down to professionalism, product quality using none brand instead of premium brand. (Fresh food eh!? Not anymore, well in my case I don't feel it anymore)... And Rosie lie straight to your faces!! Hoping you don't know better....🤯

---Previous Review--- (8 months old) 5 stars review

Would definitely recommend this place, and friends meetups. Good food, Friendly services, always felt welcome, fast services, price are on target (not for everything) Sushi for exemple are seating on little on the high end "/pcs" usually you are getting for 6pcs instead of 4pcs for the same price elsewhere - But otherwise descend sushi. I always get the Reman bowl. Price, quality and portion are on point and of course my fav with kimchi OMG!!🤤 You don't need anything else then just enjoy! I'm back every few days since they re-open. "Addicted" at this point. Job...