- June 12, 2025
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Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill is the brainchild of three co-owners: Jeffrey Karasawa, Jason Klamson and Sam Ray. The original downtown Sarasota location has been a local favorite since 2016, known for its fresh flavors and creative flair. Now, with their second act in Lakewood Ranch, the team is making waves all over again. Karasawa and Klamson recently spoke to us about the new location. Their answers below reflect a shared vision.
Our loyal customers. Our guests kept encouraging us to expand. Some even helped us find the perfect spot in Lakewood Ranch — so the expansion felt like a natural next step. And it’s really worked out for us.
A balance between authenticity and creativity. Staples like the spicy tuna roll are a must; they showcase a sushi chef’s skill in executing the basics. But we also embrace innovation. We listen to customer feedback and constantly experiment, blending traditional techniques with fresh twists. Many of our chefs were trained in Japan. They bring generations of dedication and expertise to the table.
The Ruby Tower, which is part of our extensive vegan menu. It’s our take on the ahi tuna tower, featuring sushi rice, avocado, tempura sweet potato and a sweet brown sauce. We created it to ensure that vegans have more options beyond salad.
We cater to every palate at the table. One person might want sushi, another hibachi, and another a completely vegan meal. We can satisfy them all. Whatever the diner’s choice, we make sure that every dish is exceptional.
Quality is our top priority. We fly in our seafood daily from Hawaii and Japan. It’s the freshest fish possible — never frozen. We also introduce unique elements like forbidden rice and soy paper to elevate our dishes.
A fusion of modern aesthetics and traditional Japanese culture. From the hand-carved koi fish door handles to the intricate wood latticework, every detail was designed with intention. Sam spent an entire year hand-crafting the elements. The result is an authentic ambiance that makes our guests say “whoa” when they walk in.
Seasonal specials. For example, we recently created a cocktail called “Beautiful Autumn” when we catered the Asolo Rep’s opening night of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” The drink was so popular, we renamed it “Beautiful Day” and kept it on our menu.
The Three Lovers appetizer. It’s packed with protein and energy. For sushi, the Waikiki Roll — with coconut shrimp and mango — is a great choice. Every true Floridian loves coconut shrimp!
Catering, mobile hibachi and sushi classes. If you want the hibachi experience at home, we can bring the table to you. We’re also relocating our downtown Sarasota spot to a better location to create an even more exciting dining experience.
Been met with enthusiasm. This community has embraced our commitment to quality, creativity and hospitality. And now we’re here to stay.
