Advertising & Marketing: Sushi lounge - need some ideas

This might be a little out there but I've always had an idea, well I saw it in a movie, and maybe this is the kinda thing your friend could use. Like I say I warn you it's a bit out there.

Have you seen 'Lost in Translation'?

Remember they go to this Karoke bar but they have their own private room with just them, their friends, their own machine and drinks brought to the room...like a private party/function room.

Like I say it's maybe a bit out there and not sure if it would fit into his plans but just thought I'd suggest it.

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How about a delivery service to surronding offices for lunches (order has to be above a certain $ amount) and perhaps offer to cater for office functions (like clients come in from out of town, impress them with sushi kinda thing)

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Has he picked a name yet?

@rabbell
Loving the private room idea and there are actually 2 big rooms that could be used for that and could easily be partitioned into 4 (still all good size). I wish bottle service was legal in Washington State but I'm afraid it isn't.

He has picked a name, Kanpai Lounge, I'm not the biggest fan of it, but whatever. What do you think?

He has amazing sushi chef's already on the team who actually are coming from the most popular sushi lounge in the city (something went down between them and the owners). He also has phenomenal flair bartenders that will be available on Friday/Saturday nights if necessary.

Actually I kinda like the name. Sticks in the mind. Also gives the impression it's more than a sushi restaurant (bar, music kinda thing as well)

How about a web site where people can order their lunch for either delivery to the office or pickup at the restaurant (take away)?

I like Justins idea above about the menu. How about a big easy to read menu, big pictures and lots of colour. Bits of text explaining what certain dishes are and maybe compare them to other things (like this eel tastes like salmon)...or is that ruining the whole mystique kinda thing?

Some ideas that we've already come up with:

1. There's two sets of front doors. A lot of restaurants have this. We thought about having a flat panel easily viewable when you're in that "in between" area to educate newcomers about what to order. Perhaps have two, one on top that's for n00bs an one on the bottom that's for veterans and you won't be embarassed because you're all looking in the same direction. Sushi is trendy and newbies can easily be turned off so we want to take that fear away. A clearer menu is definitely a must. Perhaps have two versions and simply ask which one they'd like or have them both at the table.

2. We had a "train" idea but not with a train, more like a moat. The cook would prepare your sushi and then float it down the river and you just pick the boat up - pretty cool, I've seen it done before.

3. Live DJ spinning lounge music (or some other type of chill out tunes). This is pretty obvious but it's amazing how many sushi bars just have some lame music on in the background. Live DJ's for the win.

4. Private rooms - we had that thought because the space is definitely there, but we're just not sure how to execute it right.

I really appreciate the suggestions so far. If you've got more, keep 'em coming. Thank you!

There is plenty of room for a small dance floor/room and enough room for outdoor sushi too, I like that.

The glass floor is a great idea but it's certainly out of the question right now.

I like the boat and moat idea, I would be pretty impressed with the place if my sushi plate came to me on a boat from a guy on the other side of the restaurant.

WHen i was talking about the train I was thinking about the boat and moat idea, but I thought no that would be to hard to make happen. :)

What if you attached the boats to a track underneath the water, kind of like a ride at a waterpark where they are guided by the track but still have a little bit of freedom to more around and from side to side. Then your track stays at a continuous speed and you don't have to worry about the boat making it to the customer. Just have to make sure your boat can haul the load of a plate full of sushi or whatever they order.

I could actually build it. Used to build custom aquariums and filter pumping systems.