Izu Sushi named Business of the Month
Japanese restaurant provides ‘dishes that please not only the palate, but also the eye ‘
LANSDALE >> The August winner of Lansdale’s Business of the Month award is one that takes you several thousand miles away as soon as you walk through its doors.
Izu Sushi and Asian Fusion, located at 322 ½ W. Main St., has been recognized for nearly two years of bringing a taste of Tokyo, and Thailand and China and Korea, to town, according to Economic Development Committee member Mark Ladley.
“During that time, they have earned an excellent reputation by presenting Japanese dishes that please not only the palate, but also the eye,” he said.
“They continue to leave regular and new visitors in awe with their presentation, which can be said is truly artful,” Ladley said.
Owners John and Shirley Jiang have operated the restaurant for the past year, and expanded the menu to include a wider variety of sushi, sashimi, tempura, seafood, vegetarian and classic rolls, and more — be sure to ask about the daily specials.
“Not only Japanese, but other Asian food, Thai food: we put some of the popular food on the menu, so more people can try different things,” said John.
“Some people, maybe they don’t like the raw fish, they can choose something else: the steak or chicken or everything here,” he said.
John developed his culinary skills over 20 years in various kitchens in China and Manhattan, and he arrived from China in 2001 while Shirley followed in 2006.
As the restaurant’s head chef, John is “very careful in everything he does. If something’s a little bit different, he always says ‘Throw that away, we’re doing it again, we cannot bring that out to the table,’” Shirley said.
For the couple, Ladley said, “it’s not just a job, it’s truly something they enjoy investing themselves in.”
During a recent visit — one of about a dozen since the restaurant opened, Ladley said — he asked John about his favorite meal and Shirley about her business philosophy, which she said can be described as service from the heart.
“Shirley said that every guest is special, and she explained how they try to leave everyone with truly remarkable memories, and an impression that they are truly appreciated,” he said.
Shirley said that friendly, welcoming attitude comes naturally to her.
“I’m just a happy girl. People see me, and my face always gets happy. I just try to do my best,” she said.
Why did the couple come to Lansdale?
“In their answer, they referenced our fantastic school district, our wonderful, diverse community that provided them with such a warm welcome, and our ability connect with Philadelphia and communities across Montgomery and Bucks counties, and beyond,” Ladley said.
The two have a daughter currently attending York Avenue Elementary School in Lansdale, and before formally presenting the award Monday night, committee Chairman Jason Van Dame swapped notes with John as his children went to the same school. Jiang said he will be more than ready for large crowds expected to come to Lansdale for its Founders Day events all day on Aug. 27, and for the borough’s Bike Night celebrations on Sept. 10.
“I think there’s a lot of motorcycle guys who will probably enjoy your restaurant,” Van Dame said.
Ladley announced the award during borough council’s Aug. 17 meeting, but John and Shirley had to staff the restaurant that night so they formally received it on Monday afternoon.
“We honor Izu Sushi and John and Shirley, not just because of their menu, but also because of their dedication to their customers, and to building a business. They’ve demonstrated a truly awesome entrepreneurial spirit,” Ladley said.
Izu Sushi is located at 322 ½ W. Main St. and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays. For more information call (215) 393-3800, search for “Izu Sushi” on Facebook or visit www.IzuSushiPA.com.