Sushi Sakura — Restaurant in Texas

I've always been a fan of Sakura for its unique dining experience, specifically the conveyor belt system and the digital kiosk for orders. However, my recent visit 10/09/23 was quite disappointing. The owner decided to remove the digital kiosks, presumably to cut costs, and this decision completely changed overall experience.

With the kiosks, ordering was a breeze – vivid pictures, clear descriptions, and was fun anticipating your chosen dish whizzing towards you on the conveyor belt. Now, you are left with traditional paper menus which are not as intuitive or visually appealing. The food on the conveyor (that night) was very limited in choice (maybe 5-6) Moreover, without the kiosks, there’s an increased reliance on the limited waitstaff, leading to much longer waiting times and a diminished experience. And-the kids loved playing on them (since we dont allow Ipads at the table, the games were fun).

The appeal of Sakura wasn't ever the quality of the sushi but the unique and super fast ordering process. By trying to "save a buck", the owner has inadvertently detracted from the very essence of what made Sakura unique. The added inconvenience to customers and the undue burden on the staff seems a shortsighted move. The cost savings from removing the kiosks will likely be eclipsed by the loss of clients and waitstaff. Not being petty. Look at your one other coopetitor. (name omitted) Revolving Sushi Bar not only has the kiosk, they have a robot that brings you drinks, and surprise toys that pop down to your table. You removed 1/2 your business experience/value add.

We spent $73 bucks on a dinner we could have had up the street at Sushi Hanna, with better food and an expected 1hr in length. We'll be driving by...

Response to Eric Z. - Per your request for feedback. The main reason for the reduction in rating had to do with the wait times when we ordered sushi vs kitchen made items. The wait time to get 2 pieces several times exceeded 15 min. It looked like there was only one sushi chef where there were several back kitchen workers. We were there for an hour and a half. I cut the family off from ordering because it was taking SO long to get any fish order out. Anything fried or prepped in the back came out fast. Next reason for the reduction was what I may remember as the garlic yellow tail. The image looks to have a small pile of garlic chips and something else on the top, which should be good. What I was presented with could only be described as yellow tail sushi with a full sushi piece long strip of garlic butter/margarine down the center. It looked and tasted exactly like what is on the grocery store garlic bread. This did not present, taste, or mix well. It was also one of the last items we received so I ended on that note. There is also a problem with images vs descriptions on the menu. Photos show it containing avocado (which is an allergen for me) but it not being in the description. Likewise as mentioned above what was presented vs photo were not even in the same league. The redeeming factor was the service. I obviously needed to ask questions (around the avocado) and the waitress and waiter both answered and checked on us...

This place was disgusting.....I ordered a decent amount of food-takeout, to try since it was the first time here thinking it would be different in a good way, wow was I wrong!!! The appetizers dumplings, shrimp tempura, etc were half cold and over cooked & hard, or as if it were refried 2x (super greasy) or sitting under a “heat lamp”, the fried rice was sub par I could’ve made it better myself it was like out of a microwave dinner it felt fake like brown rice (no flavor) which I know I ordered fried rice (grilled chicken was hard/dry).....the diff types of sushi cut rolls I ordered at least, I wanted to try all, forget about it! I had 2 pieces out of the 12, because It felt really hard the rice around the nori, stale/sitting like not made to order. It’s if they had prepared it days before....NOT FRESH!!? I’ve had better grocery STORE bought sushi that taste more fresh unfortunately ): I didn’t even bother with anything else. It’s sad I had to throw it away, Japanese is one of my favorites, but I will NEVER come back/order here. I should’ve stuck to SUSHI HANA or ATAMI off Mason Rd. Here in Katy. Or even NAGOYA, THEY ARE WAY BETTER, FRESH QUALITY AND FAST SERVICE!! I honestly don’t know how this place has 4.5 stars or rave reviews in my opinion. I’d be embarrassed to serve the food I received yesterday evening for dinner to any customer. SMH !! Thanks but no thanks Sushi...