Umami Japanese Bistro to Open Second Baton Rouge Site

The restaurant will occupy the former Tsunami Sushi space on Highland starting early next year.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of minimalist wooden chopsticks and a ceramic bowl, representing a new Japanese dining expansion. — Umami Japanese Bistro will expand its Baton Rouge footprint by opening a second location in the Highland area early next year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Umami Japanese Bistro has officially signed a lease to open its second Baton Rouge location at 1 Smart Way Suite 100. The restaurant plans to move into the space previously occupied by Tsunami Sushi.

Why it matters

The expansion marks a significant step for the local business, which has operated its original location on Burbank Drive since 2015. The move comes after the landlord contacted the owners following the closure of the previous tenant.

The new restaurant will be situated at 1 Smart Way Suite 100, expanding from the brand's original 3930 Burbank Drive site. Owners expect to launch the second location in January 2027.

The players

Jimmy Nguyen

He is one of the co-owners of Umami Japanese Bistro and also manages operations for Geisha Sushi with a Flair.

Tien Le

He is a co-owner of the restaurant group that operates both the Burbank Drive and Highland locations.

Michael Tran

He serves as a co-owner for the restaurant group overseeing the expansion into the new Highland facility.

The details

The owners, who also operate Geisha Sushi with a Flair in Prairieville, secured the Highland location following the departure of the former restaurant in August. This new site will be the second establishment under the Umami Japanese Bistro brand.

The original Umami Japanese Bistro location opened in 2015.
Tsunami Sushi closed its Highland location in August 2026.
The owners signed the lease for the new space on October 27, 2026.
The new location is targeted to open in January 2027.

Market Landscape

This move reflects the broader industry trend of established restaurateurs utilizing prime vacancies to grow their presence in competitive corridors. The expansion positions the group to capture market share left behind by the departing tenant in a highly visible Highland location.

Diners can look forward to a new venue on Highland Road when the restaurant begins operations in early 2027. This location adds another dining option for the area, utilizing a space that has been vacant since late summer.

The takeaway

Expanding into an existing restaurant footprint can help businesses leverage ready-to-use infrastructure for faster growth. Local patrons often benefit from these transitions as they reduce the time a commercial space sits empty in the community.