Hai Street Kitchen expanded its presence in University City with a second location designed to reflect its brand identity within a compact, high-traffic setting. The restaurant concept required a space that could balance speed of service with a strong visual experience. O Z Collaborative designed the 1,600-square-foot, 25-seat restaurant, drawing inspiration from the hexagonal packaging of its sushi burritos and the textures of bamboo sushi rolling mats. These references inform the spatial and material language throughout the interior. A tiled counter featuring three-color ceramic hexagons anchors the space and guides customer flow. Custom perforated stainless steel light fixtures reinterpret the hexagonal form, filtering light and reinforcing the geometric theme.

Material selections include bamboo plywood, recycled oak paneling, and graphic wall treatments that balance natural textures with bold visual elements. Branded details, including Japanese characters translating to “fresh,” reinforce the restaurant’s identity. The layout supports efficient circulation within a compact footprint while maintaining visual engagement. The project creates a cohesive interior that translates brand identity into a built environment, combining material expression, lighting, and spatial organization.