A Charlotte Sushi Destination
History of Nikko
Founding and a Foundational Move
Nikko first opened its doors in the early 2000s, established by the husband-and-wife team of James and Joanna Nix. The restaurant's original home was a modest building near the intersection of East and South Boulevards in Charlotte. A defining chapter in Nikko's history was its relocation to a significantly larger space within the historic Lance cracker factory building, situated just north on South Boulevard. This move marked a major expansion and cemented the restaurant's presence in the area, where it has remained a fixture for the last two decades.
The Heart of Nikko - A Commitment to Quality
The driving force behind Nikko's culinary identity is co-founder Joanna Nix. Originally from South Korea, Joanna embarked on her culinary journey after moving to the United States at 18. In Myrtle Beach, she became one of the nation's few female sushi chefs by persuading a local Japanese restaurant owner to teach her the craft. From its inception, Nikko was built on an uncompromising commitment to quality. To ensure unparalleled freshness, the Nixes established a practice of flying in all their fish daily directly from Japan. This dedication meant that either Joanna or James would be at the restaurant as early as 4:00 AM each morning to personally receive the delivery, a standard that set them apart in Charlotte's dining scene.
An Evolving and Enduring Legacy
As Nikko's reputation for excellence grew, Joanna Nix transitioned from her role behind the sushi bar to become the vibrant face of the restaurant's front-of-house operations. Known for her welcoming personality and signature cowboy hat, she cultivated a loyal following of regulars, famed for her ability to remember names and create a uniquely personal dining atmosphere. While Charlotte's culinary landscape has since welcomed more high-end sushi competitors, Nikko maintains its status as a beloved institution. Its menu reflects a blend of traditional Japanese cuisine and Joanna's Korean heritage, with standout dishes like the Shumai Dumplings and Korean Kalbi-style BBQ Beef Ribs, alongside creative signature rolls like the "Cowboy" and "VIP," which continue to attract diners and solidify Nikko's legacy as a true Charlotte gem.