Opened this week | New ramen restaurant brings fresh taste of Japan to Tri-Cities

Wendy Culverwell
·2 min read

Tomi Sushi & Ramen has quietly opened in the former Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Kennewick.

Tomi held a soft opening and expects to fully open to the public this week.

Owners Bonnie Li, and her husband, Andy Liu, spent months converting the former barbecue restaurant overlooking Highway 395 into a comfortable sushi bar and sit-down restaurant.

Tomi Sushi & Ramen has opened at 122 S. Ely St., Kennewick. Image courtesy Andy Liu/Tomi Sushi & Ramen
Tomi Sushi & Ramen has opened at 122 S. Ely St., Kennewick. Image courtesy Andy Liu/Tomi Sushi & Ramen

Tomi is an independent restaurant serving sushi and other Japanese cuisine, including ramen, teriyaki, tempura and hibachi dishes. The bar menu includes saki.

The couple are veterans of working in Japanese restaurants. They fulfilled their dream of opening their own restaurant after moving to the Tri-Cities during the pandemic and scouting for a suitable location.

Andy Liu converted the old Dickey’s BBQ Pit in Kennewick into a Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen, tempura, teriyaki and hibachi. Courtesy
Andy Liu converted the old Dickey’s BBQ Pit in Kennewick into a Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen, tempura, teriyaki and hibachi. Courtesy

Liu spent 14 years as a chef in Japanese restaurants in the Boston area.

Tomi Sushi & Ramen has opened at 122 S. Ely St. in Kennewick. Image courtesy Andy Liu/tomi Sushi & Ramen
Tomi Sushi & Ramen has opened at 122 S. Ely St. in Kennewick. Image courtesy Andy Liu/tomi Sushi & Ramen

The family moved to Seattle to escape the cold New England winters, and then to the Tri-Cities in search of a more rural setting during the COVID-19 crisis, Li said.

When Dickey’s closed, they leased the space. They spent months tearing out the old furnishings and transforming it into a warm restaurant with a back room for parties.

Tomi Sushi & Ramen has opened at 122 S. Ely St., Kennewick. Image courtesy Andy Liu/Tomi Sushi & Ramen
Tomi Sushi & Ramen has opened at 122 S. Ely St., Kennewick. Image courtesy Andy Liu/Tomi Sushi & Ramen

Tomi is at 122 S. Ely St., Kennewick, in the shopping center formerly anchored by Safeway. It is open for lunch and dinner, with a break in between.

Bonnie Li converted the old Dickey’s BBQ Pit in Kennewick into a Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen, tempura, teriyaki and hibachi. Courtesy
Bonnie Li converted the old Dickey’s BBQ Pit in Kennewick into a Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen, tempura, teriyaki and hibachi. Courtesy

Hours

  • Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-8:30 p.m.

  • Friday: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-9:30 p.m.

  • Saturday: Noon-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-9:30 p.m..

  • Sunday: Noon-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m.

Follow Tomi on Facebook or go to Instagram.com/tomisushiramen/

Tomi Sushi & Ramen has opened at 122 S. Ely St., Kennewick. Image courtesy Andy Liu/Tomi Sushi & Ramen
Tomi Sushi & Ramen has opened at 122 S. Ely St., Kennewick. Image courtesy Andy Liu/Tomi Sushi & Ramen

Dickey’s closed its Kennewick location for a second and final time in 2023. The move left one Dickey’s in the Tri-Cities, at 2530 Queensgate drive, Richland.

Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities

Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the region’s top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday.