The sign has gone up over Shiku Sushi, one of two new sushi restaurants preparing to open along Ballard Ave. We spoke with owner Rob Kim, who says the plan is to bring in “Japanese tapas” along with traditional sushi, plenty of sake and a full bar — a twist that Rob says will differentiate Shiku from its competitor just a couple doors down, Moshi Moshi Sushi.

Rob is a Ballard resident who worked at Red Fin sushi in downtown Seattle, and he says he saw a need to bring more sushi to the neighborhood. It’s his first restaurant, but he says his uncle — who manages four sushi restaurants in San Diego — is helping him with the launch. Shiku is slated to open in a month.