New Lenox's Aji Sushi A Dream Fulfilled For Owners, Daughter Says

NEW LENOX, IL — Those curious about the sushi restaurant that's taken over the former New Lenox Mod Pizza have a little longer to wait.

Aji Sushi, coming soon to 651 E Lincoln Highway, is still in the works, but the family behind it is eager to let people know their vision, even before the paper comes off the windows.

Owned by husband and wife Yong Zhu and Julie Chen, the restaurant is designed as an all-you-can-eat experience that spans sushi, hibachi and ramen. The Orland Hills residents are excited to bring it to life in the space, transforming it from a fast-casual pizza place to a unique, open-kitchen concept Asian fusion restaurant.

"A lot of people have stereotypical thoughts with all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants," daughter May Chen told Patch. "That’s not what we want customers and consumers to feel.

"You want to feel like you’re walking into a nice facility, you’re paying for the food and service."

The creation of Aji is a testament to both Julie Chen and Zhu's beginnings in the United States. Both immigrated here 20 to 30 years ago, May said. At the time, jobs available to them were in the food industry, or construction. Zhu would eventually dabble in Chinese buffets and takeout. After spending time as a stay-at-home mom, Chen was offered a job as a server at a Japanese restaurant in Lincoln Park, in 2019.

The family moved to Orland Hills in 2022. May is one of four siblings, with brothers ages 9 and 16, and a sister, 11. Chen went on to work at two suburban Japanese and sushi restaurants in Orland Park.

"A lot of her customers were from Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox," May said. "People would drive from there to get sushi.

"We thought, 'Why not bring sushi over there to them?'"

As they mulled the idea, a location wasn't quite clear. New Lenox had been proposed, but they weren't familiar with the area.

Driving through one day en route to a piano recital, they noticed a similarity between the busy Route 30 corridor, and that of LaGrange Road, May said. And they also realized what was missing.

"There was honestly not a lot of Asian fusion here," May said.

Specifically, the all-you-can-eat concept seemed lacking in the area.

"There are a lot of all-you-can-eat restaurants in downtown Chicago," she said. "But there’s not a lot in the suburbs."

Her father, May says, has long dreamt of opening a restaurant.

"I wouldn’t say my dad is doing food because that was the only option," May said, of his start in the food industry. "He was always very passionate about food, cuisines, plating and having his own restaurant."

The design includes an open kitchen—giving customers a view of the grill and sushi stations.

"People walk in, you can almost see everything behind the counter," May said. "It’s very common in Japan, in Asia, to have an open kitchen style, you get to see everything prepared."

The menu is very flexible, and nearly everything on it—from appetizers, to sushi, to desserts—is included in the all-you-can-eat offerings, May said.

The menu will also include à la carte hibachi, ramen, rice, noodles, bento boxes, she said.

Sushi can be ordered à la carte, or all you can eat, with only 2-3 signature rolls not included in the all-you-can-eat pricing, May said. Sashimi and nigiri are included.

"Our goal is to have an all-you-can-at place, where it’s all you can eat," she said. "You can pick whatever from the menu."

Customers will have a chance to opt into the pricing of their choosing, May said. All-you-can-eat lunch Monday through Friday from 11 to 3:30 p.m. will be $23.99 a plate; for dinner, it is $30.99. Saturday and Sunday, all-you-can-eat stays at $30.99.

Price for sushi ranges from vegetable rolls for $4, a California roll for $6, to the highest priced at $18.45. Cocktails start at $7 for a basic martini, with a variety up to $12 for a Mai tai. A variety of sake will also be available, as well as red and white wines. Soft drinks and smoothies will also be offered.

The restaurant is the latest addition brought in by commerical broker Kanton Harzich, with @ Properties.

"There was other competition, but ultimately I was able to secure this restaurant and make the dream come true for my amazing clients," he said.

"This will be an awesome addition to our community!"

As demo work continues inside, May said her excitement grows. The decor will be built around Asian fusion influences: sushi lanterns by the sushi bar, unique wallpapers and items.

"A lot of decorations are from overseas, so it’s not something domestic," she said. "That’s one of the big differences."

May's creativity is also coming into play. The sophomore marketing and advertising major at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign designed the drink, takeout, and all-you-can-eat menu, and business card. A website is still in progress, as well.

The family considered several names for the restaurant before settling on Aji. It has dual meanings, May said. Aji means taste or flavor, and it’s also the name for a fish, as well, that’s often used for sushi.

The character seen in their sign also carries the meaning of "taste, flavor, charm," she said.

"A different kind of experience."

A formal opening date is not yet set for Aji Sushi, 651 E. Lincoln Highway, but May hopes it will be by the end of January. Follow them on Instagram, where they'll share the latest updates on opening date, deals, and more.