Simply Roll’d Up

By: Donna D’Angelo

Pittsburgh’s beloved touring sushi truck, Simply Roll’d Up, has discovered a everlasting residence in East Liberty. Chef and proprietor Robert Foster jumped on the likelihood to open a brick-and-mortar location when a turnkey alternative turned accessible earlier this 12 months. Whereas the truck will proceed to serve town and its suburbs, clients can now go to the brand new store at 132 S. Highland Ave, the previous residence of Kahuna Poke and Juice Bar.

East Liberty, a rising and vibrant neighborhood, affords the perfect setting for Foster to completely park his avenue sushi idea—particularly for the reason that location has private significance. The storefront sits subsequent to Muddy Waters Oyster Bar, the place Foster first got here up with the thought for Simply Roll’d Up.

A self-taught chef, Foster was impressed whereas working at Muddy Waters. It was there he found Samuels Seafood, a provider that introduced premium merchandise like sushi-grade tuna, sea urchin, and uncooked oysters to landlocked Pittsburgh. He seen there weren’t any seafood-focused meals vans within the space, regardless of the high-quality components accessible. With entry to necessities like sushi rice, Japanese mayo, and togarashi, the thought was born—and with town easing meals truck rules, Foster took the leap.

In 2018, Simply Roll’d Up hit the streets, serving sushi rolls, sashimi, sushi burritos, and colourful poke bowls. The truck shortly turned a part of Pittsburgh’s thriving cell meals scene. The liberty of the meals truck mannequin allowed Foster to run a lean operation whereas connecting with numerous communities. His background working entrance of home gave him a robust sense of customer support, whereas the truck let him develop a direct rapport with diners. “Character is half the equation,” he says.

Earlier this 12 months, the Muddy Waters crew approached Foster with the chance to take over the Kahuna area. Together with his crew outgrowing the 100-square-foot truck, the timing felt proper. The present kitchen format made for a simple transition, with solely rebranding wanted.

The brand new Simply Roll’d Up location affords a clear, minimalist area for seafood lovers. The core menu stays largely the identical, with a couple of tweaks: eight-piece sushi rolls are off the menu, however new grab-and-go sashimi choices are in. Fan favorites are right here to remain, together with the Tuna 2 Occasions poke bowl—that includes daring, acidic yellowfin tuna with fermented seaweed salad—and the Ora Madori Salmon bowl, made with Samuels’ unique Akaroa New Zealand King Salmon.

From meals truck to full circle, Foster’s journey continues—one roll at a time.