Tokyo Sushi & Hibachi: The Go-To Spot for Fresh Sushi and Hibachi in State College
Discover how Tokyo Sushi & Hibachi, a family-owned gem in State College, overcame the challenges of the pandemic to become a student favorite, serving up creative sushi rolls and hibachi dishes with heart.
In the heart of State College, Pennsylvania, Tokyo Sushi & Hibachi has become a student favorite, not only for its quick service and reasonable prices but for the authenticity and care behind every dish. Rachel Chen, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, shares the journey of how they took a leap of faith—leaving New York and opening their business at the height of the pandemic.
“We moved from New York, and my husband, who was a sushi chef, learned from a Japanese chef with the dream of starting his own restaurant,” Rachel recalls. In 2020, that dream became a reality, but the timing couldn’t have been more challenging. “We opened during the pandemic. When we first started, there was no dine-in. We had to rely entirely on takeout,” she explains, reflecting on the restaurants early days.
Despite these hurdles, Rachel and her husband were determined to succeed. One of the reasons they chose State College was its vibrant energy. “It’s a college town, and the atmosphere is young, positive, and diverse,” she says, describing why they were drawn to the area. Their intuition paid off—Tokyo Sushi & Hibachi has since become a go-to spot for students looking for a sushi fix.
Signature Dishes and Must-Try Items
When it comes to their menu, Rachel credits her husband’s culinary creativity. “It’s a typical Japanese menu, but we have some special items that my husband created,” she notes. For anyone visiting for the first time, Rachel has a clear recommendation: “I definitely would recommend the sushi. It’s really good.” Beyond sushi, the hibachi grill items are also a standout, drawing in a crowd that loves the variety and flavor.
For sushi enthusiasts, popular rolls like the Spicy Girl Roll and the Sunshine Roll have earned fan-favorite status, while cooked rolls like the Crab Rangoon Roll and the King Kong Roll offer a flavorful alternative for those who prefer their sushi cooked. Rachel’s personal favorite? “I love the sashimi here,” she says, showcasing her own preference for fresh, raw flavors.
Building a Business with Heart
For Rachel, the secret to success in the restaurant industry goes beyond crafting great dishes. It’s about building relationships with customers and treating them like family. “You have to treat your customers very nicely, like your friends. And you have to make your food with heart and love,” she shares. To her, running the restaurant is much like raising a child—a theme that resonates deeply since she became a mother during the early days of their business.
Her day-to-day is a juggling act that involves overseeing the kitchen, managing customer service, and even handling social media. “It’s not just welcoming customers at the front,” Rachel explains. “You also have to take care of the kitchen, create the menu, and update it regularly. And then there’s marketing—posting on Instagram, managing promotions—it’s all part of the job.”
A College Favorite with a Personal Touch
With Tokyo Sushi & Hibachi situated in the heart of downtown, much of the clientele consists of Penn State students. Rachel’s connection to them is personal—she’s not just serving food but building friendships. “I’m friends with most of my customers. Sometimes I offer free appetizers or discounts to regulars,” she says with a smile. This personalized touch has helped foster a loyal community, with many students sharing their dining experiences on social media, creating buzz for the restaurant.
Looking ahead, Rachel is excited to keep evolving the menu and welcoming new and returning customers. Despite the challenges of running a restaurant, her passion for great food and customer connections remains the driving force behind Tokyo Sushi & Hibachi’s ongoing success.