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THE IDEA: 2008 · THE DOJO: 2011
OUR STORY
From a missing market and a kitchen full of family — to seven thriving Dojos across Florida. This is how two people turned backyard sushi parties into a ninja empire.
HOW DID SUS HI HAPPEN?
Two People,
One Big Dream
The food business runs deep in the Ly family. Robert grew up working in his parents' Chinese buffet from age eight and was running a location by sixteen. Teresa's family owns Saigon Market, an Orlando Asian grocery staple for over 30 years — she started working there at just five years old.
Around 2008, they spotted a gap — fast-casual, build-your-own sushi didn't exist. They loved sushi, they loved fun, and what's more fun than ninjas? "Sus Hi" was born. For three years, they perfected the concept by throwing family sushi parties with DIY assembly lines — those backyard gatherings became the blueprint for the entire business.
On August 29th, 2011, the first Sus Hi Eatstation opened across from UCF. Customers fell in love with the bowls and burritos, and rice bowls quickly became the #1 seller. Along the way, Robert and Teresa got married — turning Sus Hi into a true family story that reinvented sushi and what it means to be a NINJA.
THE EARLY DAYS
Where It All Began
Robert & Teresa — Grand Opening Day, August 29, 2011
The original UCF storefront
Hand-drawn menu board — Steps 1 through 5
Grandmaster Funly behind the line, Day 1
Ninjas serving the crowd
OUR JOURNEY
From 1 Dojo to 7
Swipe through the photos on each entry to see the full story — from pre-construction sketches to grand opening celebrations.
Robert & Teresa — the dream team behind Sus Hi
The Idea Is Born
Robert and Teresa Ly identify a gap in the market — fast-casual, build-your-own sushi doesn't exist yet. They come up with the name 'Sus Hi' with the 'Hi' in a speech bubble, capturing the fun, animated spirit they envision. For the next three years, they prototype the concept at family sushi parties, building their own assembly line and having everyone create their own rolls.
The original UCF storefront — where it all started
UCF Dojo Opens
August 29, 2011 — Orlando, FL
The first Sus Hi Eatstation opens right across the street from the University of Central Florida. The original menu focuses on rolls, but bowls and burritos unexpectedly take off — rice bowls become the #1 selling category and fuel the brand's explosive growth.
Robert & Teresa in front of the Altamonte Springs 'Coming Soon' sign
Altamonte Springs Dojo
June 2016 — Altamonte Springs, FL
The second Dojo opens in Altamonte Springs, proving that the Sus Hi concept resonates far beyond the college campus. Robert and Teresa celebrate another milestone in their growing ninja empire.
Hand-drawn interior design sketch for the Lake Nona Dojo
Lake Nona Dojo
October 2018 — Lake Nona, FL
The third Dojo opens in Lake Nona with a bold new interior design — hand-sketched layouts brought to life with giant murals, golden lion artwork, and the signature ninja energy. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a new chapter for the brand.
Pre-build — the Millenia space before the transformation
Millenia Dojo
October 2018 — Millennia Blvd, Orlando, FL
Opening the same month as Lake Nona, the Millenia Dojo brings the total to four locations. This Dojo features stunning ninja murals, vibrant art gallery walls, and the signature red-and-black interior that becomes the brand's visual identity.
'Coming Soon' — the Colonial Dojo exterior before opening
Colonial Dojo
March 2019 — East Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL
The fifth Dojo — known as the 50D — opens on East Colonial Drive. The build-out transforms a raw space into a dragon-mural masterpiece with the now-famous 'Sushi Is Bae' neon wall, sword displays, and a sushi line that becomes the heart of the restaurant.
Chickasaw Dojo build-out — the counter and kitchen taking shape
Chickasaw Dojo
November 2019 — Chickasaw Trail, Orlando, FL
The sixth Dojo opens on Chickasaw Trail, bringing Sus Hi to another Orlando community. With stunning nighttime curb appeal and the same high-energy ninja culture, Chickasaw quickly becomes a neighborhood favorite.
Pre-construction — the wood panel wall before all the signs
Tampa / USF Dojo
June 2020 — Tampa, FL
The seventh Dojo opens in Tampa near the University of South Florida — marking Sus Hi's first expansion outside the Orlando metro area. Opening during the pandemic, the Tampa team proves that the ninja spirit can't be stopped.
UCF Dojo — where it all started
Franchising Begins
Q4 2025 — Nationwide
Sus Hi Eatstation launches its franchise program, converting the Millennia location as the first franchise. With seven thriving Dojos and a proven model, the vision is clear: bring the ninja sushi experience to communities nationwide.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Core Values
FUN
The Roll
Creating fun experiences throughout our whole company.
PASSION
The Bowl
We're passionate about our culture and philosophy.
INTEGRITY
The Burrito
Fast sushi with high quality ingredients.
CREATIVITY
The Hand Roll
Creativity is expressing yourself.
Our Purpose
AtSusHiEatstation,sushiisourcanvasforcreativity.
Wecraftbold,innovative,andapproachableexperiencesthatredefinesushiandbringjoytoeverybite.
THE NINJA SQUAD
Meet the Team
GRANDMASTER FUNLY
Robert Ly
CEO & Co-Founder
GRANDMASTER MISO EEL
Teresa Ly
COO & Co-Founder
MASTER SWERVO
Christian
Director of Operations
MASTER DODGER
Jake
Director of Finance
MASTER KOBE
Jacob
Director of Training
MASTER TURTLE
Turtle
CMO
MASTER IAM
IAM
Lead Videographer
INSIDE THE DOJOS
Life at Sus Hi
Come Experience the Dojo
Whether you're a first-time ninja or a seasoned Grandmaster, there's always a seat at our table. Visit any of our seven locations across Florida and taste the difference.