'Sushirrito' Craze Couldn't Survive NYC's Steep Rents

FLATIRON, NY — New York City's only official Sushirrito outpost — which serves the internet famous combo of sushi in burrito form — closed its doors this month.

The restaurant, located at 12 W. 23rd St., wasn't getting enough business to compensate for the area's high rents, the company said in a letter to customers.

"We could have easily switched to cheaper fish and ingredients, but we would rather close than sacrifice our quality since we exist for a deeper purpose than solely to generate profits," the company wrote in a letter posted outside its Flatiron location. "Unfortunately, because of the lack of sufficient traction in this area, combined with the high rents, we are holding true to our values and are therefore closing this store."

Sushirrito launched in 2011 in San Francisco as a to-go option for sushi-lovers. The concept quickly became viral, with news organizations writing up the creative take on a to-go Sushi.

Sushirrito's 23rd street restaurant opened in October 2016. The company did not immediately respond to questions from Patch about whether the company planned to open a different New York City location. The company's only remaining locations are in San Francisco, according to its website.

Image credit: Ciara McCarthy / Patch