 "Photo: Corey James Wheeler / Contributing Writer")
With an effort to provide healthy food alternatives, Wayne State has combined the unlikely tastes of sushi and smoothies in storefront.
Sushi with Gusto, an independent contractor of sushi bars from South Carolina, and Freshens, an Atlanta-based frozen yogurt and smoothie company, share a space located near Salon X on Anthony Wayne Drive.
No other on-campus restaurant can claim the combination of a sushi bar and a yogurt stand.
The Freshens’ franchise features healthful drinks and yogurt with toppings, said Associate Vice President of Business Operations Nabelah Ghareeb.
“I was very pleased that they were interested in Wayne State,” she said. “It’s attractive to a college market because of its concepts and fresh looks.
“We wanted to add a concept we didn’t have on campus.”
According to Dan Kahn, director of resident dining, the sushi idea came about after a trial run on the south part of campus.
“We were currently doing sushi at the Scott Hall area for med students, and it was successful,” he said. “So we started looking for a space to put both Freshens and Sushi with Gusto. This space was available and we felt that the two could fit in this location and share it.”
Since opening Feb. 8, Freshens’ customer lines seemed steady, and with a reasonably priced menu — nothing costing more than $6 — WSU students may find the overall experience worthwhile.
“I like the smoothies, they taste good,” junior Jarrick Lewis said. “The store is really quiet, and the service is fairly fast for a smoothie place.”
Other students said they liked the products and the service at Freshens.
The restaurant has also provided students with employment opportunities, such as sophomore Agacia Tinsley.
“I love working here because it’s easy,” she said, “and I can tell the students like it because it’s new and fun.”
The idea of a combination sushi bar and yogurt store caught some students off-guard.
“I thought it was a little weird that it was grouped with a sushi place, but they are my two favorite things in the world so I’m not complaining,” senior Alex Longyear said.
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