Managing partner Jason Andaya, has a clear vision for his temaki sushi restaurant Hando, opening this Fall at 528 West 11th in the Heights. “I want Hando to feel like a bar you just found in the middle of a fish market — a place where you can grab a seat and have a great quality hand roll placed in front of you within two minutes,” he said.

Part of the Family Meal Group, which raised $200,000 in capital on the NextSeed investment platform, Hando will feature a 24-seat U-shaped bar and a menu focusing on temaki, or individual sushi hand rolls. Other small plates will be on the menu while the full bar features Japanese spirits, specialty cocktails and beer along with house mocktails and green teas.

Andaya, a University of Houston hospitality management program alum and Rice University MBA grad, recently returned to Houston from Los Angeles where he was an operating partner for two restaurant concepts. He’s working with his childhood friend, Raymond Chan — owner of the local bar, East End Hardware — to bring Hando to the Heights. 

Chan says he’s committed to using freshest ingredients possible. “We’re going to be using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal items as much as possible to make it a true Houston experience,” he said. 

The intimate dining room, designed by JT ARC Studio, is a study in efficiency with a preparation area open to guests. A scant 1,200 square feet, It features a mix of wood, metal and an abundance of natural light. 

“We wanted to bring something a little different that a lot of people would love, but that allowed us to serve high-quality food at an affordable price,” said Chan. “We think it’ll be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.”

For more information, visit www.handohtx.com or email [email protected]. 

Olivia Flores Alvarez