I still remember the line of people that formed outside of Kuni's sushi when the place announced that it was closing. That was back in November of '05. Then, in June of '06 Kibarashi opened the doors to a new sushi experience on Elmwood. A couple months ago that sushi operation closed its doors and I don't think many people expected to see a third sushi operation to move in... quite so soon. But word on the street says that Wasabi, Williamsville's sushi sensation, is taking a stab at the location. I spoke to Dan Leonard of the Elmwood Village Association who said, "The signs were just added to the front window... we're very excited about having sushi back in the space. The best thing about it is that its so small, that while people are waiting for a table, they are able to shop at the neighboring stores. It really benefits the block."
I ate at Wasabi when it first opened and found the sushi to be excellent. The decor was beautiful, the service was good and the selections were impressive. Of course the suburban location is much larger than the Elmwood location will be. But that's one of the charms of the former Kuni's and Kibarashi. The prime Elmwood location makes up for the relatively small layout. The restaurant will be situated across the street from Spot Coffee and Brodo (and their expansion into the former New World Record store). And if there is a wait to get in, then there are plenty of places to go beforehand... like Merlin's or Celecia's (depending on your taste). And I see that Hunt Real Estate has begun to do work on the building at the corner of Elmwood and Breckenridge. This block of Elmwood continues to be the hub of action in the district... it will benefit greatly by having Wasabi as a tenant.
Wasabi will be located @ 752 Elmwood Avenue.