A sushi chain with $5.50 rolls is setting up shop steps from the University of Washington Tacoma campus.

Musashi's, a regional Japanese fast-casual chain, has moved into 1740 Pacific Ave. in downtown Tacoma. Owner Jun Park told The News Tribune he hoped to open the week of Sept. 14. The location fills a storefront that sat empty after Hello, Cupcake closed in 2023.

Park is aiming the menu at students.

"It's like a … fast casual sushi spot, and definitely the crowd caters more to college students," Park said. "It's not too heavy on the pocket."

Basic rolls, including spicy tuna, yellowtail and salmon, start at $5.50. Veggie rolls start at $4.50. Specialty rolls start at $12.50. The menu also includes teriyaki plates, curry, bento boxes and rice bowls.

This is Park's second try in Tacoma. In 2021, he briefly operated a Musashi's at 2919 S. 38th St., a space now occupied by Sumo Sushi & Grill. Park said that location fell apart because of logistical challenges tied to his Bellevue base and a dissolved business partnership.

He said he always wanted to return and had his sights set on the UW Tacoma area.

The chain has been around since the 1980s, and Park took over operations about 20 years ago. Musashi's now has seven locations in Washington and Oregon, including in Kent, Seattle and Bellevue.

Anticipated hours are 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. daily.