Roma's Modesto site takes a turn to sushi

Going from computer chips to sushi rolls is all in a day's work for Modestan Danny Zeng.

Zeng opened the new restaurant Fumi Sushi in the site of the old Tony Roma's in north Modesto in June. The eatery offers a full sushi menu, as well as other Japanese cuisine.

Zeng is the former owner of Ocean Palace restaurant and current owner of Beta Computers in Modesto. He said his interest in sushi is simple.

"You know, I love sushi and I've been doing computers for 20 years, but it has started to slow down. So I thought I should change and also do something else," he said.

Zeng has been planning his sushi restaurant for two years. It includes the restaurant, along with sushi and sake bars. The place seats 150, with a banquet room for an additional 50.

His executive chef has more than 20 years of experience working in Las Vegas and San Francisco. The menu offers many sushi favorites and specialties, plus an assortment of teriyaki and tempura dishes.

The restaurant has been completely remodeled after sitting empty for four years. Zeng and business partner Paul Tong have hired a staff of 15. It offers happy-hour specials and speedy call-ahead lunch ordering on weekdays.

Fumi Sushi, 2100 Standiford Ave., Suite 8, is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and from 5 to 9:30 p.m. for dinner every day. Call (209) 571-2253.

Elsewhere around the Business Beat:

Vintage Gardens has upgraded and expanded its restaurant.

The wedding and event center at Dale Road and Bangs Avenue in north Modesto opened the Redwood Cafe at Vintage Gardens in February. The eatery serves lunch and dinner and has a full bar.

The eclectic menu includes sandwiches, wraps, steaks, pasta, Kobe beef burgers, pizzas and tapas. General manager Lorna Borges said the restaurant opened because of public demand.

"People were wanting to enjoy the food we prepare for the weddings in a dinner place," she said.

The Redwood Cafe, 4342 Dale Road, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Call (209) 545-9232. …

And finally, the site of the former Tasty Taco on Oakdale Road is being converted into a large Starbucks. The site, at Oakdale Road and Merle Avenue, includes a drive-through.

Have an item for Business Beat? Contact Marijke Rowland at The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352; (209) 578-2284 or mrowland@modbee.com.