Famous for a London Poisoning, A Sushi Chain Expands Into City

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The New York Sun

The sushi chain Itsu Ltd. isn’t being held back by the poisoning of a former Russian spy at one of its outlets: It opened its first New York restaurant yesterday, at a location near ground zero.

Sushi-goers at Itsu yesterday didn’t appear turned off by the peculiar turn of events that investigators said ended with the death of the spy, Alexander Litvinenko, and traces of the radioactive isotope polonium 210 being found at Istu’s Piccadilly restaurant in London.

“We sold out of everything in 45 minutes,” the owner of the New York City Itsu, Luke Fryer, said.

Mr. Fryer said he wasn’t sure if the publicity raised by Litvinenko’s death would help or hurt business, but he said it shouldn’t be a reflection on the restaurant’s food. Mr. Fryer has plans to open a second Itsu, in Midtown.

A manager at Itsu, Jenny Shin, said it was obvious that several passers-by were aware of the incident. “Some people have looked in kind of chuckling,” she said.

Itsu’s total sales in England have risen since Litvinenko’s death, according to Mr. Fryer. “It’s natural human curiosity,” he said.

The Japanese-inspired menu has a variety of healthy offerings, including teas, juices, and a “Dynamite Miso Soup” for $3.95.


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