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Tsunami Restaurant expands with new Salt Lake City location

Tsunami Restaurant expands with new Salt Lake City location

New Capabilities Salt Lake City, UT local

Licensed location at 165 W 2950 S marks another step for the gluten-free sushi chain

Today: Permit on record for new location

Overview

Updated 2 hours ago

The Salt Lake County Health Department posted a food establishment permit for Tsunami Restaurant/My Gluten Free Expo at 165 W 2950 S. The record first appeared on the department's public list on September 19, 2026. This is one approval in a longer process — it does not mean the restaurant is cleared to open or that it has all necessary permits.

Tsunami is already a known name in Salt Lake City's gluten-free dining scene. The company runs several locations and has built a reputation for sushi and Japanese food that celiac customers can eat safely. A new licensed address suggests the brand is expanding its footprint in the city.

Why it matters

For gluten-free diners in Salt Lake City, a new Tsunami location means more safe sushi options in a market where cross-contamination is a constant concern.

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Key Indicators

1
New licensed location
Food establishment permit on record at 165 W 2950 S as of September 19, 2026.
5+
Existing Tsunami locations
Tsunami operates multiple restaurants in the Salt Lake Valley, including at the airport.

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Organizations Involved

Timeline

2008 September 2026

2 events Latest: Today
  1. Permit on record for new location

    Today Permit

    Salt Lake County Health Department lists food establishment permit for Tsunami Restaurant/My Gluten Free Expo at 165 W 2950 S.

  2. Tsunami opens first location

    Opening

    Tsunami Restaurant & Sushi Bar opens its original Salt Lake City restaurant and builds a gluten-free following.

Scenarios

1

Tsunami opens new location at 165 W 2950 S by mid-2027

Likely Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Local restaurant industry observers; standard permitting timelines for a brand with existing approvals

The permit on record is a routine step. Tsunami has opened multiple locations in Salt Lake County, and its operators know the local inspection process. If the space passes health inspections and final approvals, the restaurant could open within months.

2

Opening delayed or permit lapses

Possible Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Restaurant industry analysts; common construction and financing delays

Permits can be obtained and then lapse if the build-out stalls, financing falls through, or the operator focuses on existing locations. The brand could also repurpose the space for a different concept.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2010-2020

Rise of gluten-free restaurant options (2010s)

A decade of growing celiac diagnoses and gluten sensitivity pushed restaurants to add gluten-free menus. Chains like PF Chang's and local spots like Tsunami built dedicated gluten-free menus rather than offering token salads.

Then

Major chains introduced gluten-free soy sauce and marked menus to avoid cross-contamination.

Now

Gluten-free dining shifted from a niche request to a standard category, with dedicated menus and staff training becoming expected.

Why this matters now

Tsunami built its brand on this shift. Its new location continues a trend where gluten-free isn't an afterthought but a selling point.

2015-2025

Airport restaurant expansion (2015-2025)

Salt Lake City International Airport's redevelopment brought local food brands into the terminal. Tsunami secured a spot, giving travelers a gluten-free option in the concourse.

Then

Food options at SLC airport expanded beyond national chains to include local favorites.

Now

Tsunami's airport presence raised its profile and demonstrated the business can handle high-volume, high-turnover locations.

Why this matters now

The airport location proves Tsunami can operate in demanding settings, making a new standalone location a low-risk expansion.

Sources

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