Rolling Out the Buzz: How Zukku Sushi Used Relish to Power Restaurant Openings

Introduction

When Zukku Sushi prepared to open in Dallas and Knoxville, they had a clear mission: stand out in crowded dining markets by turning their bold, artistic sushi into scroll-stopping moments that would drive excitement, traffic, and loyal customers from day one.

Standard opening tactics wouldn’t cut it. Zukku needed a launch strategy that would capture the energy of their brand and translate it into real-world momentum.

The Opportunity

Zukku Sushi blends global inspiration with Japanese tradition, serving sushi burritos and handcrafted rolls designed to be as beautiful as they are delicious. Their goal was to build immediate local awareness, position themselves as a must-visit spot for sushi lovers, and create sustained buzz beyond opening weekend.

In markets where sushi options are plentiful, Zukku needed to showcase what makes them unique: vibrant presentation, high-energy locations, and fresh, fast-casual dining that feels exciting and shareable.

They partnered with Relish to transform their openings into cultural moments that would resonate with local audiences and fill tables fast.

The Strategy

Relish knew launching Zukku Sushi meant capturing more than pretty plates—it meant sharing the energy, creativity, and crave-worthiness that define the Zukku experience.

The campaign focused on four key moves:

• Partner with local voices: Relish activated creators in Dallas, Knoxville, and Nashville who love sharing local food discoveries.
• Create moments worth sharing: Influencers captured the artistry of sushi burritos and rolls, the vibrant plating, and the lively restaurant vibes.
• Drive immediate visits: Content encouraged followers to visit the new locations, tagging foodie friends to plan their next sushi outing.
• Handle the details: Relish managed creator outreach, scheduling, and approvals to ensure timely posting that aligned with Zukku’s opening windows.

The goal was simple: make Zukku Sushi the city’s newest must-try, driving visits and social buzz while reinforcing their brand promise of fresh, fast, bold dining.

The Results

The Zukku Sushi openings delivered strong, measurable results:

• 26 creator posts on Instagram and TikTok during launch periods
• 104,525 local views across Dallas, Knoxville, and surrounding regions
• 4,574 engagements, including likes, comments, shares, and saves
• 4.38% engagement rate, aligning with strong restaurant campaign benchmarks

The campaign increased visibility for Zukku Sushi’s new locations while driving immediate customer interest, with creators reporting high engagement, questions about location details, and tagged friends making dining plans.

Zukku Sushi launched with packed tables and a vibrant digital footprint, establishing themselves as a go-to sushi destination in both markets.

Why It Matters

In competitive restaurant markets, visibility alone isn’t enough. Success requires creating real excitement that translates into customer visits and brand loyalty.

With Relish, brands like Zukku Sushi turn openings into buzzworthy moments that generate momentum, social proof, and real-world results.

By combining authentic creator-led storytelling with strategic campaign rollout, Relish helps restaurants transform new locations into destinations that drive traffic and long-term success.