Blue C Sushi

Blue C Sushi was a Seattle-based restaurant group that introduced the kaiten, or conveyor belt sushi concept, to the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 2003, the company quickly gained popularity by offering a unique dining experience that combined traditional Japanese sushi with a modern, vibrant atmosphere. The standout feature of Blue C Sushi was its color-coded conveyor belt system, where freshly prepared sushi plates circulated for guests to choose from, making the dining experience both interactive and visually appealing.

At its height, Blue C Sushi operated several locations throughout Washington, including notable spots in Seattle, Bellevue, South Lake Union, and University Village. The brand also expanded to Southern California, marking its presence beyond the Pacific Northwest. Blue C Sushi was celebrated for its innovative approach to casual dining and its dedication to sustainable seafood practices, earning praise from local media and industry experts alike.

Despite its early success, Blue C Sushi encountered significant financial hurdles in the late 2010s. Rising competition and increasing operational costs contributed to its challenges. In January 2019, the company closed all its locations and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy due to unsustainable debt and falling sales. The closures were unexpected, impacting both employees and loyal customers, and the company’s assets were subsequently liquidated.

As of January 2019, Blue C Sushi no longer operates, and there are no plans for its revival. The brand's former locations have since been taken over by other restaurant operators. Blue C Sushi's story serves as an example of the challenges faced by fast-casual dining concepts, particularly those reliant on high-volume urban foot traffic and novelty-driven formats. Its legacy remains as a pioneer in the U.S. conveyor belt sushi market.