Iowa is Getting Its First Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurant [PHOTOS]

You've probably seen a post or two on social media about restaurants where you can grab a plate of sushi off a conveyor belt as it passes by your table. Well, one of the major chains that does that is called Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, and we're happy to report that they're preparing to open their very first location in Iowa!

About Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

According to Wikipedia, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is the second-largest sushi chain in Japan. The first one opened in 1977, and now there are more than 500 locations across the country. In 2008, Kura opened its first restaurant in the U.S., and there are now more than 80 locations here, with even more on the way.

How Does It Work?

Because Kura Sushi isn't your ordinary restaurant, there are a few things you should know before you visit. Here are some of the policies listed on the FAQ portion of the company's website, as well as tips from a 2024 Columbus Underground article:

• Kura Sushi is NOT a buffet restaurant. There is no flat rate, you pay by the plate.
• Every plate that comes by on the main conveyor belt costs the same amount.
• You can also use the tablet at your table to order specific dishes, such as ramen, udon, desserts, and anything on the menu that you may or may not see on the main conveyor belt.
• There are two different conveyor belts: the main one has the dishes that anyone can take, and the one above it, called the "express belt," delivers anything you order specifically on the tablet.
• Each dish on the conveyor belt is placed a plate inside of dome called "Mr. Fresh," which pops open when you reach for the dish. You simply remove the plate and leave the Mr. Fresh on the belt. Anything that's a liquid, like soup, is inside of a bowl with a locking lid so there's no spills.
• DO NOT place your dirty dishes on the belt. There is a plate-shaped slot located underneath that you slide your plates into when you're done with them.
• The plates you place into the slot are how the restaurant keeps track of how much you order. The CU article reads, "for every one item that passes through the plate robot’s mouth, you get charged the per-plate fee."
• Returning a specific number of plates wins you prizes.
• A ROBOT delivers your first round of drinks and any condiments you may need!

Where Will It Be Located?

According to a recent article from the Des Moines Register, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar will be moving into Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines. The restaurant will take over the space that's currently home to Panera Bread, whose lease ends in June of 2026.

When Will It Open?

The bad news is that it's going to be quite a while before Kura begins welcoming customers in Iowa. An article from We Are Iowa reports that it's expected to open sometime in late 2026 or early 2027.

Other Locations

Kura's Jordan Creek location will be the first in the Hawkeye State, but there are already locations in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio. You can check out a full list of U.S. locations HERE.

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