BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — It's something you may not expect to see during this time of the pandemic, a new business opening up, and with it comes opportunities for those looking for a job.
Jin Sushi bar, like many other restaurants, has been affected by the pandemic and they have made several changes to serve the community. This week they are preparing to open a second location in Northwest Bakersfield and they are currently hiring. They tell us they wouldn't have made it to this next step without their loyal customers.
"It's a tough battle but we are just doing what we can and we were blessed and lucky enough to keep on moving," said Noah Bowden, manager.
Jin Sushi, located in the heart of Downtown Bakersfield off of 19th and Eye Street offers a variety of Japanese cuisine and sushi. The restaurant is celebrating six years in business, including during a time when a lot of other eateries had to close their doors for good.
"For any business right now it has been a rollercoaster and we are just having to abide by and figure out what to do best for our situation- it's unfortunate we had to close down again because we invested a lot of time and our heart into that to make it available for people," added Bowden.
Due to the regional order, Jin Sushi had to close all indoor and outdoor dining, and they even received a permit to close down a portion of Eye Street to accommodate. But despite the setback, the restaurant is pushing forward, by opening up a second location off of brim hall road on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Bowden shares this has been in the planning process for two years but is a longtime dream.
"We are very optimistic and we have a large fan base and regular customers so to just be available to them down here and that side of town we are hoping to work a happy medium amongst both sides of town."
Although the restaurant is now only offering takeout and carry out due to the regional stay at home, they are still in need of additional help for both locations and are currently hiring.
"We are hoping to take anyone who has restaurant experience originally and if you have sushi experience that's even better. If not we are willing to train new positions from dishwasher to chef or cook or even busier, server and hostess as well," said Bowden.
When asked what has been the most rewarding and inspiring moment while working during this pandemic, without hesitation, the sushi Bowden shared it is his team and their newcomers.
"We had a lot of new people come in who never had a job before and to be able to watch them blossom amongst the two months I have had them here has been amazing, it's seeing younger people get an opportunity to learn and to see others who have the experience and not have the confidence who have come in and learn other experiences."
If you would look to apply to any of their positions mentioned, you can drop off your resume at their downtown location or email your resume to Jinsushibako@gmail.com.
