Downtown Sushi Plans Move to East Kemp Avenue, Eyes Former Maxwell Site

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Downtown Watertown is poised for an exciting business relocation as Downtown Sushi, a popular local restaurant, is preparing to move into a new, larger space at 109 East Kemp Avenue. The property, formerly occupied by Maxwell Foods Equipment, is situated in the C-1 Community Commercial District.

The move will see the restaurant relocate from its current address at 18 North Broadway. Owner and applicant Jack and JoJo Lin submitted a Conditional Use Request to the City’s Board of Adjustment to facilitate the relocation of their existing on-premise alcohol license. The Board is scheduled to review the request on December 18, 2025.

Filling a Key Downtown Location

The new location at 109 East Kemp Avenue is a significant space, offering approximately 3,500 square feet for the restaurant.

Conditional Use Overview

The restaurant’s move requires a specific Conditional Use permit because the new location will serve alcohol. While a Conditional Use for a bar or tavern was previously granted to the property in 2006, that use has since lapsed because the activity ceased for over a year, necessitating a new application.

Owner/Applicant Lin applied on November 25, 2025. City staff, including Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten and Planner Carla Heuer, reviewed the request. The staff recommendation is for the Board of Adjustment to approve the request.

Conditional Use Application downtown sushi.pdf

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