Hello Nori Says Hello to Park Royal on January 29th

Canada’s Pioneer “Hand Roll Bar” Expands to West Vancouver with New Offering

Hello Nori Signature will open its doors to its Park Royal location at 731 Main Street on January 29, 2025, coinciding with Lunar New Year, and will elaborate on its innovative take on traditional Japanese cuisine and their signature hand roll dining experience. Exclusive to this location will be additional table seating alongside the centerpiece 38-seater bar, where guests can enjoy the signature menu, as well as new grilled items and small plates that expand on the hand roll concept. The famous hand rolls will only be available at the main bar where they are served to order by dedicated sushi chefs. Operating from 11AM to 11 PM, Sunday through Thursday; 11 AM to 12 AM on Fridays & Saturdays, the newly curated menu features the finest Neta (ingredients) sourced from BC, Canada, and Japan and expansive array of artisan cocktails, sake and rare Japanese whiskies. Reservations are now available here.

Park Royal will mark the restaurant group’s fourth opening in Vancouver, BC, and its fifth across Canada, with one flagship currently in Toronto and plans to open two more locations in 2025. “2024 was a remarkable year for Hello Nori, as we successfully established our concept as a national brand with four new locations. As we look ahead to 2025, it’s shaping up to be a year of innovation and growth—starting with the highly anticipated opening of our Park Royal location: Hello Nori Signature. With a full kitchen and an extensive beverage program, we’re excited to elevate our beloved Hand Roll program. The new menu will feature a mix of fresh and grilled items, innovative hand rolls, and an exciting selection of cocktails, sake, and Japanese whisky. This location will be our new playground, and we can’t wait to welcome both regulars and newcomers to Hello Nori Signature,” said Isaac Oliver, Director of Restaurant Operations.

Hello Nori is dedicated to the art of hand roll sushi. Each hand roll is crafted individually to ensure the nori stays crispy, the rice remains perfectly warm, and the ingredients are always exceptionally fresh. Our mission is to deliver a distinctive and delicious experience, blending the fine ingredients with outstanding service in a sophisticated architectural setting. At the same time, we are committed to supporting local communities and promoting environmental sustainability through our practices. The hand rolls will remain the signature experience at the Park Royal location, complemented by an expanded and varied menu.

“Park Royal marks a thrilling new chapter for Hello Nori. This opening is about more than food—it’s about sharing our love for exceptional ingredients and elevating every bite into something unforgettable,” said Jay Pugong, Corporate Chef.

The new location will feature the iconic modern design the group is known for, blending wood, stone, and water into its architecture, with a special emphasis on ‘waves.’ Intricate, serene waves flow throughout the restaurant, creating a calming atmosphere that puts guests at ease. The unique combination of wood, stone, and concrete works cohesively, ebbing and flowing like water, and breathing life into the space.

ABOUT HELLO NORI

Hello Nori is a premier dining destination specializing in innovative Japanese hand roll sushi, aburi oshi, and premium sake experiences. With multiple locations in Vancouver and several more set to open in Toronto, we are pioneers of the hand roll experience in Canada. Our team is committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced both locally and directly from Japan, all while delivering exceptional hospitality. Our striking restaurant designs and attention to detail are central to our brand, creating a memorable atmosphere that captivates our guests’ imaginations. With a focus on sustainability, we proudly collaborate with local and Japanese import partners and have partnered with Ocean Wise to minimize our environmental impact.

In addition to our restaurants, we offer catering services for various events, bringing the essence of Hello Nori to you, wherever you are. Whether dining in or taking out, we strive to provide every guest with an unforgettable experience.

The talented team behind Hello Nori Park Royal includes Head Chef Peyman Pouhossein and General Manager Samuel Shin.

ABOUT JAY PUGONG (CORPORATE CHEF)

With a deep passion for the culinary arts, particularly Japanese cuisine, Jay oversees every aspect of the culinary program at Hello Nori. A dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience, Jay is constantly seeking to expand his knowledge while being an enthusiastic and supportive mentor to his team. He consistently challenges himself to learn new techniques, and Hello Nori inspires him to share his growth with guests and future leaders of the brand.

Since 2012, Jay has traveled to Japan annually, working as a guest in various prestigious restaurants to further develop his skills and gain fresh perspectives on Japanese culinary culture. Most recently, he served as the head chef at Vancouver’s Minami, where he became known for pushing boundaries and creating unique dishes, all while contributing to Vancouver’s highly competitive Japanese culinary scene.

ABOUT ISAAC OLIVIER (DIRECTOR OF RESTAURANT OPERATIONS)

Having had the privilege of working in some of Vancouver’s finest restaurants, both as a team member and a leader, Isaac Olivier is deeply honored to bring his experience and passion to the Hello Nori team.

Isaac began his hospitality career at Water St. Café in Gastown. After working his way up through various roles, including time spent on the kitchen line, he sought to advance his career by joining the renowned Cin Cin as a server. Within a year, Isaac developed a deep appreciation for fine dining and the craft behind it.

Eager to grow further, he secured a managerial position at the esteemed Hawksworth restaurant in 2015, where he honed his skills in hosting within a high-profile environment. This was followed by an opportunity to contribute to the growth of Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar, where he spent five rewarding years. During this time, Isaac worked alongside national champions, witnessed the restaurant receive multiple accolades, including Restaurant of the Year, and was personally awarded the “Premier Crew” award by Vancouver Magazine in 2020.

Isaac now focuses on the growth and expansion of Hello Nori, eager to share his passion and enthusiasm with his team and future leaders of the brand.

Media release and image provided by Melissa Tac, Really Good People.