Word of mouth can be crucial for businesses to survive. For Umi Poke Sushi in Narragansett, it is their sole form of advertising, according to the owner Daniel Kxx.
Umi Poke Sushi has been open for less than a month. Kxx has always had a passion for serving people and starting a business.
“I always loved to cook, I always loved to make fresh [food] and to serve friends and family, and a community, is my purpose, my goal, my passion,” Kxx said.
Despite his passion, Kxx said starting the business all on his own wasn’t easy.
“I started this business with everything I have, nobody backed me up,” Kxx said. “No support, no investor, anything, nobody handed me a dime, except for the customer[s] who come and support me.”
In its first month, business has been good, according to Kxx. Students and other members of the community who visited have really enjoyed the food and have shared it with friends.
So far, the restaurant hasn’t received any negative feedback, according to Kxx.
“Great Poke Bowl!” said Dave P. on Yelp. “The fish was fresh, and the sauces are next-level. Friendly service, great portions, and a great vibe make it my new go-to. It’s on the back side of Mariner Square.”
The establishment has a dedication to fresh, hand-crafted sushi and sauces, according to Kxx.
“That’s what’s unique about us compared to other shops around here, that we can say that our bowls and sushi are superior to it because we handcraft it and the sauces that we make are better than them as well in terms of taste and flavor,” Kxx said.
The menu is a combination of Hawaiian Poke style, modern crafted sushi, and fusion-style foods, according to Kxx. The “Rhody Bowl” has become a fan favorite. In it is salmon, tuna, cucumbers, edamame, carrots and scallions.
“I like that a lot because it gives you a good amount of protein as well, to those looking for protein,” Kxx said.
Kxx’s personal favorite is the “Maui Bowl” which has tuna, avocado, mango, pineapple, cucumber, carrots and scallions.
The restaurant’s current location is only temporary, according to Kxx. It sits out of view of the street on Point Judith Road. In the coming months, Kxx hopes to move to a front store so that people can see it when they drive by.
Down the road, they may consider advertising more, but word of mouth has been bringing them a lot of business so far.
“Thanks to the students, they’re sharing it to their friends, so that’s been very helpful,” Kxx said.
Umi Poke Sushi is primarily set up for takeout dining, but there is some table space for those who want to eat there. At the moment, the establishment is cash-only and does not accept credit cards.
