One of Peru’s most celebrated entrepreneurs is planning an exciting new concept for New York.
Franco Noriega is a Peruvian chef and entrepreneur based in New York. A retired professional swimmer, Noriega moved to New York in 2007 and began modeling, eventually becoming the Creative Director for Macy’s millennial division. In 2016, Noriega founded his flagship restaurant Baby Brasa, celebrating the flavorful cuisine of Peru in an upscale West Village restaurant with Peruvian fusion dishes and signature seasonal cocktails. Baby Brasa became a huge sensation very quickly, and today Noriega has been featured on numerous television shows and has even begun producing his own music.
Now, it appears that Noriega is a planning a brand new concept for new York. Dubbed Sakai Sushi, the new restaurant is expected to open up at 174-180 Seventh Avenue. Described as a family restaurant that will focus on sushi, Sakai will feature 1,200 square feet of space, as well as an additional outdoor space that will accommodate an additional 32 seats. The interior will feature a 6-person standing bar, as well as 14 tables that will bring the total amount of seats to 48.
At the moment, Noriega is currently meeting with the community board to receive a liquor license for Sakai. He is proposing operating hours of 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM on Sunday through Thursday, and 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday and Saturday. The space is not expected to host any private parties or events, but will play light background music for guests.
Sakai Sushi will be replacing Rivoli Pizza, a popular Italian restaurant that currently operates on seventh avenue. Noriega is still very early into development though, and is not ready to announce further details until the liquor license is confirmed and he can move forward with the project. For further information on all of Noriega’s projects, you can follow him on Instagram for regular updates.
