Wegmans Dives into High-End Dining with "Next Door" Sushi Restaurant in Manhattan's Astor Place

Wegmans is set to officially open its highly anticipated sushi restaurant, Next Door, in Manhattan on April 30. The contemporary Japanese dining concept will be located right next to the Wegmans grocery entrance at Astor Place. With 27 years of experience, Wegmans chef John Emerson has teamed up with German chef Oliver Lange and Kazuya Matsuoka to create a menu that will include chu-toro tartare among other refined dishes, Eater New York reports.

Food enthusiasts can look forward to a sushi bar and a robata grill at Next Door, with premium ingredients flown in directly from Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Market—made possible by Wegmans’ robust global sourcing capabilities. Lange, in a Grub Street interview, expressed excitement about to swiftly bring in fresh fish from around the globe. "When we place our order on Monday, delivery comes on Wednesday," said Lange.



In addition to fresh seafood, the menu will feature items like koji-marinated steak and a globally curated wine list. The restaurant will also offer a special Champagne hour from 4 to 5 p.m.

to kick off evening service.Wegmans' move into the high-end restaurant space is a strategic brand extension, aimed at showcasing the company’s commitment to quality beyond the grocery aisle. Chef John Emerson describes the concept as an "inspirational beacon" for employees and a way to impress New York customers familiar with Wegmans’ strong reputation in western New York.

While Wegmans doesn't plan to sell the same koji used in their restaurant dishes in their grocery stores quite yet, Lange refers to it as his "passion project." Matsuoka, leading the kitchen in the original Rochester location, says verkami enthusiasts from their hometown are buzzing with anticipation. "Even here in Rochester, our guests are talking about, 'Oh, I'll be there when you open,'" Matsuoka revealed to Grub Street.

The restaurant’s interior will stand in stark contrast to typical grocery store lighting, with tall windows and brushed-brass fixtures creating a sophisticated ambiance..