In 2001, Nami opened in the Minneapolis Warehouse District. That same year, Nami won "Best Design and Aesthetics" by the MSCA Retail association. Local papers had to say this:

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Nami
www.namisushi.com
251 First Avenue N.
Minneapolis

"Not long ago Nami celebrated its one-year anniversary, and already this mere babe on the local scene has toddled to the top of the heap. Why? The elegant, soaring warehouse space that feels more Miami than Minnesota, the throbbing late-night bar that feels more Milan than Minnesota, and, of course, the low, low prices that feel more Minnesota than we ever could have hoped for..."

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