Sushi debuts at DiMino's Lewiston Tops

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

The countdown is over: Sushi has arrived at DiMino’s Lewiston Tops.

Fresh fish from AFC Franchise Corp. is available in a case at the front of the store, adjacent to the Starbucks.

“They want to become the nation's sushi leader, as they say. They want to put themselves in all the East Coast stores because they're promising fresh sushi every day,” storeowner Anthony DiMino said. “Our agreement is they will be in our store delivered before noon, which is exactly when most people are looking for that type of item.”

He added, “We think it's going to be a more convenient lunch item, and having it literally fresh every day, I think it's going to be a big deal, based on what we think the demographics are.”

DiMino explained, “They come in, they take it out, and you start from scratch every day.

“Over 30 varieties, by the way. I mean, they didn't skimp on what's here. They want to be the Starbucks of sushi. They're going to have programs for times of the year with different innovation items. It's going to be really exciting, to be honest. … I'm kind of fired up, because we just started filling this, and people were waiting for us to fill it – because they were all excited that we have this product. It was amazing.”

DiMino said the addition of sushi reflects customer interest.

“I feel that the store should be as diverse as possible, with big variety, a lot of different things,” he said.

“I am as up to date as you could possibly be in the United States. And with Starbucks and Boar’s Head and with sushi, it's just an affirmation from being more different than all the competitors around me,” DiMino said. “I have better service than anybody else. I have friendlier people. People can count on this store.”

He recently announced plans to build a seasonal display room to replace the outdoor staging area to the left of the building.

“I strive to be the best grocery store in the United States. Honest to God. That's my passion,” DiMino said.

Fresh-made sushi is now available at DiMino’s Lewiston Tops at 906 Center St., Lewiston.