As we reported last week, the old Ambler Cabaret building at 51 East Butler Avenue, will soon have a new look( see article here) and a few new restaurants…yes, that means three.

We had the chance to catch up with Sushi Hatsu’s owner and chef, Harrison Kim, to learn a little bit more about the plans for his new Sushi restaurant, and the whole building in general.  Harrison grew up in the area and graduated from Upper Dublin High School. His early training as a chef began in 2000 at Morimoto, Philadelphia and after that in 2006 at Nobu, San Diego.  Most recently he served as head chef at Yanako, Osaka in Chestnut Hill and Sushi Sasa in Denver. He is currently working as a consultant with Somo in Manayunk.

photo: Chef Harrison Kim

According to Harrison, he has signed the lease for Sushi Hatsu, and is getting ready to build.  All of the permits are in for his 2000 square foot intimate space, which expects to provide 65-75 seats max.  Harrison plans to serve ” honest and innovative food” with a modern take on Sushi…Tapas and small plates.  The space, which will house a restaurant and bar, will be designed by M Architects LLC + Morrissey Design LLC and will have a modern, industrial vibe.  Harrison added, “…Hatsu will have a knowledgeable, engaging staff with a cozy, neighborhood feel.”

Sushi Hatsu is set to open in late September or October and is still looking to raise the final capitol. Any interested investors can contact Harrison at Hatsuambler@gmail.com.

We also learned that the building, now owned and managed by Dino D’Orazio from Keller Williams, will be home to three restaurants…Sushi Hatsu, a high-end Vietnamese grill, and the third restaurant still remains undisclosed.  The construction and renovation is set to begin this month.

Stay tuned for updates.