The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) announced today that South Florida restaurant and catering chain, Sushi Maki, has become MSC Chain of Custody certified and may now advertise that selected menu items meet the MSC global standard for sustainability. Sushi Maki, the first East Coast sushi chain of restaurants in the U.S. to obtain Chain of Custody, plans to immediately serve certified sustainable sea bass and kanikama krab (surimi) in its 16 locations throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
In addition to six full service restaurants, Sushi Maki operates branded “sushi stations” at Whole Foods Markets, Milam’s Markets, The University of Miami, Florida International University, American Airlines Arena, Miami International Airport, and Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. They also serve several area hotels and food distributors. Today’s announcement coincides with Sushi Maki opening a 7th location, in the Whole Foods Market, Pembroke Pines.
Abe Ng, CEO and CSO (Chief Sushi Officer) said, “As restaurateurs, we have a role and responsibility to educate customers about global seafood supplies and enable them to support sustainable fisheries by choosing MSC certified sustainable seafood. This is the beginning of a journey and reflects our vision, passion and commitment to sustainable sushi for generations to come.”
Kerry Coughlin, MSC Regional Director, Americas, said: “We welcome Sushi Maki into the MSC program. Their participation will enable consumers throughout South Florida to enjoy fresh sushi and contribute to the health of the world’s oceans at the same time.”
About Sushi Maki
Sushi Maki began as a single sushi bar in Coral Gables, Florida in 2000. They have built their business and reputation on providing customers with high quality Japanese cuisine and premium sushi that is informed by the diverse culinary influences of South Florida. In 2007, Sushi Maki began partnering with Whole Foods Market, opening Florida’s first locally branded sushi bar with the national chain. In 2011, Sushi Maki began partnering with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system to provide sushi boxes to selected high schools and middle schools. More recently, Sushi Maki was awarded the contract to sell sushi at the new Miami Marlins Ballpark (professional baseball) that will open for the first time in the spring of 2012. They have been recognized for their community leadership including being Minority Business of the Year by the Miami Chamber of Commerce and a finalist for Business of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal. Sushi Maki's CEO, Abe Ng, was also recently honored by the Miami Herald as a 2011 "20 Under 40, "one of the South Florida's top business leaders.
Source: Marine Stewardship Council