Giant Burrito-Sized Sushi Rolls Headed For Hillcrest

Local entrepreneur and fast-casual pizza innovator James Markham developed MOD Pizza, Pieology and founded Project Pie, which launched its flagship in Hillcrest in 2013 and now has more than 20 locations around the world, from Carlsbad and Chula Vista to Dallas and the Philippines; for his next project, he's taking inspiration from Japan and Mexico. Markham left Project Pie this summer to focus on Rolled Up, a new quick-service concept that centers around giant fusion sushi rolls; the first outpost will open up just one storefront down from the first Project Pie, in a space that has held consecutive burrito shops.

Rolled Up's sushi rolls will be burrito-sized and made to order, with the seaweed and rice rolled around everything from ponzu yellowtail to spicy line-caught tuna, baked salmon, marinated crispy beef, grilled five spice chicken and slow-cooked pork, plus various vegetables; most rolls, which can also be ordered rice side out, will come with ginger guacamole and dipping sauces. Ranging from $9 to $11, the fusion rolls will be offered with signature fillings or available with customizable combinations.

Markam says that Rolled Up should be open by early January and more sites are in the works. He also has another eatery up his sleeve, a breakfast sandwich concept called Egg Luv, that should roll out its first locations in the next six months.