Founded by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Tyson Cole, Uchi Scottsdale Offers an Elevated and Non-Traditional Take on Japanese Cuisine, Paired with Impeccable Service

PHOENIX (PRESS RELEASE) – Hai Hospitality, the award-winning, Austin-based restaurant group behind Uchi, Uchiko, Uchibā and LORO Asian Smokehouse & Bar, announced today the highly-anticipated opening of Uchi Scottsdale in the heart of Old Town. Slated to open on Thursday, February 1, Uchi will be Hai Hospitality’s first concept in Arizona, marking a significant expansion milestone for the beloved brand. Conveniently located at 3821 N. Scottsdale Road (N. Scottsdale Road and E. 1st Street), Uchi will introduce Phoenicians to Uchi’s delicate balance of elevated food and impeccable service, featuring the signature non-traditional take on Japanese cuisine, signature tastings, sushi, and a seasonal omakase for which James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole is known.

Executive chef and Hai Hospitality founder Tyson Cole

Translated from the Japanese word meaning “house,” Chef Tyson Cole created the original Uchi location in a refurbished South Austin bungalow in 2003 with the simple vision of bringing the intimacy and collaboration of the sushi bar experience to every table in the restaurant. Chef Cole’s innovative take on sushi and signature dishes have been delighting guests from across the country and around the world ever since, with a variety of hot and cool tastings, sushi and sashimi, makimono, yakimono, tempura, and an ever-changing omakase (or chef’s choice menu) based on seasonal items. Diners visiting Uchi Scottsdale can expect to indulge in familiarfavorites, along with exclusive Scottsdale-specific menu items, including Lamb Sirloin with roast kabocha puree, cranberry ginger relish, spicy pickled kabocha; Masu Crudo made with ocean trout, Japanese sweet potato, makrut lime leaf, or decadent Wagyu Carpaccio (also available at the original Uchi in Austin, TX).

"As a fellow chef here in the Southwest, I've always appreciated the vibrant culinary scene in Scottsdale, and the growth over the past few years has truly been incredible,” said Executive Chef Tyson Cole. “We spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect spot to bring Uchi to Scottsdale, and I know our entire team is so excited to finally reveal the results of all of our planning and hard work over the past year plus of getting ready. Most of all, I'd like to thank all the local chefs and the restaurant community here, who have been so supportive and welcoming us to Arizona."

The space was designed by Hai Design Studio in collaboration with design architect, Hazelbaker Rush, based in Tucson, and architect of record, AV3 Design Studio of Phoenix. Uchi’s interiors explore the intersection of Arizona and Japanese design sensibilities to create a multi-sensory dining experience. Housed inside the longtime Bandera restaurant in the heart of Old Town, Uchi seats 207 total guests, which includes bar seating with unique bites, as well as a lovely outdoor patio. The space has been transformed using a sculptural wood ceiling inspired by southwestern ramadas and is accented with artwork and lighting from local and national artists. This includes a sculptural wood and neon piece by Steve Jones and a Raku pot by Jeffrey Perkins, both from Art One Gallery in Scottsdale, as well as custom feature tables by Solido, wall sconces by Haru Studio and Zach Lihatsh, and a custom entry bench by Tucson-based, Sam Okerlund.

Uchi is already integrating into the local community as they commit to donating a portion of proceeds during their soft opening, which is scheduled from January 25-30 to local charities including HonorHealth, The Joy Bus, Phoenix Rescue Mission and St. Mary’s Food Bank.

Uchi Scottsdale will be Hai Hospitality’s seventh Uchi location, following the openings of Uchi Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami and Los Angeles. Uchi Scottsdale will be open from Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 pm. Plus, Happy Hour daily from 4 - 6 pm. Valet parking will be available, and to-go options will be available to order via Uchi’s website for pickup as well as via UberEats for at-home delivery. To learn more about Uchi Scottsdale, or to make a reservation, visit uchirestaurants.com or follow the brand at @uchirestaurants on Instagram.

About Hai Hospitality: Hai Hospitality is an award-winning restaurant group based in Austin, Texas, that began with Uchi, Japanese for ‘home,’ and so named for the little red house where Chef Tyson Cole first created his nontraditional take on elevated Japanese cuisine in 2003. Hai Hospitality concepts include Uchi, Uchiko, Uchibā, Oheya, and LORO Asian Smokehouse & Bar. Hai currently operates in six cities across the US including Austin, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Miami and Los Angeles. Hai Hospitality gives each of their restaurants the space to create and cultivate their own identities and supports them in a variety of capacities so that each location has the freedom to grow while still being part of the bigger family—a family that has a common set of core values; a shared vision for food, service, and design; and a collective pool of knowledge and expertise to draw upon no matter where they call home. Learn more about Hai Hospitality at www.haihospitality.com.

Uchi Opens in Old Town Scottsdale on February 1