Nori Expands to Porters Neck

Over the past six years, Nori Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar has built a loyal customer base at its original location at The Pointe at Barclay. Now, the husband-and-wife team of Yun Zhao and Jing Chen have opened a second location in Porters Neck this month and made significant updates to their restaurant at The Pointe.

“During COVID, there were moments I wanted to change careers – it was that hard,” Chen said about navigating the restaurant through the pandemic years. “But our customers kept us going. Their support during the toughest times was overwhelming and gave us the strength to keep pushing forward.”

Nori’s original location became a go-to spot for sushi lovers, yet its success brought challenges. With a dining area stretched to capacity and a sushi bar designed for four chefs but often requiring six to meet the demands of in-house and take-out orders, the team struggled to work efficiently. Post-pandemic, the surge in business cemented the need for modifications and the notion that the brand could support a second location.

Nori and several other businesses at The Pointe were approached by representatives for a new development at the entrance to the Marsh Oaks community in Porters Neck that was seeking similar tenants.

“This felt like the right area for us to expand to and everyone has been so welcoming,” Chen said.

As the finishing touches on the Marsh Oaks location were being put in place last month, Chen and Zhao closed the Pointe location for four days to install new flooring, rebuild and extend the sushi bar, and bring in new furniture there.

At Marsh Oaks, a sleek, marble sushi bar extends the length of the restaurant to provide plenty of space for the sushi chefs to work while guests enjoy an up-close look at their artistry.

“I wanted to break the norm that Asian restaurants can’t be contemporary and classy while maintaining traditional roots,” Chen said. “I think we’ve created an ambiance that reflects both.”

One such element of décor that reflects both tradition and modernity is Chen’s take on a Chinese moon gate, an architectural feature that is common in Chinese homes, businesses and gardens. Nori’s black gate has modern look among a mix of traditional and contemporary Asian art.

The owners have also upgraded the online ordering systems at both locations, allowing customers to order directly through the restaurant without incurring third-party commission fees.

As Nori’s customer base has grown, Chen and Zhao have maintained their commitment to working with the highest-quality ingredients. Chen said they are very tough on their suppliers, never accepting anything that does not meet their high standards.

“They know to not even try to pull anything over on us,” Chen said. “They know we will not accept it if it’s not perfect.”

Chen admits that the rising cost of food continues to be a challenge for the business.

“The cost of sushi-grade fish is much higher than pasta or chicken,” Chen said. “Thankfully we do have some buying power in that we order in such large quantities now, but our margins are extremely thin.”

The decision to expand was not just a business venture; it’s the next step in Chen and Zhao’s journey as a couple. Zhao will take a hands-on role behind the sushi bar at the Marsh Oaks location while Chen circulates between locations, managing staff and handling the business side of things. Chen credits the support of her extended family, and her parents in particular, with allowing them to take this next step, as well as their loyal customers.

Chen reflects on the journey with gratitude.

“I’m so thankful for our regulars who stood by us and for the new customers we’re welcoming,” she said. “Every detail, from the food to the service, is a labor of love, and we’re committed to maintaining the quality our customers expect.”

Nori Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar is located at 1412 Barclay Pointe Blvd, #1006 and 7972 Market Street, Suite 330.