A loyal following is essential to the success of any brick-and-mortar business. Entrepreneurs work tirelessly to find individuals who will advocate for their brand, and bring them to the masses. The community that championed Tony Lei, however, found him.

Over the course of 13 years, Tony’s Grill and Sushi Bar on Main Street in Layton has attracted the attention of Davis County diners largely through word of mouth. Staff members share fond memories of watching the area develop, as well as seeing customers who frequent the establishment enter new chapters of life. 

“My feeling is I’m coming to work here, but I’m not feeling like I’m coming to work. I’m feeling like I’m coming to my house,” said executive chef Cesar Jimenez. “I feel like these people come and I invite them to my house, not the restaurant.”

A family business, everything from the food to the restaurant’s aesthetic resonates with the identity of Lei and his staff. His over 30 year background in Japanese cuisine includes developing experience at restaurants in Southeast China, New York City and Salt Lake City. It was in Utah where he met sous chef Gemensz at Cafe Train, and promised to call him when he had his own operation.

While serving as a manager at his last restaurant, Simply Sushi, Lei developed a reputation as one of the business’ staple chefs. Not only did his customers follow him to Tony’s Grill and Sushi Bar, but one of them introduced him to the building he cooks from today. 

Moving to Layton, Lei called Jimenez, and asked him to visit the location. Previously housing Mara’s Mexican Cafe, the space required several renovations before opening – including raising the ceiling. Lei, his family and Jimenez all played a role in bringing the facility to where it is today, building items like tables and booths as well as making kitchen changes that fit their needs.

The menu at Tony’s Grill and Sushi Bar represents a variety of signature rolls and dishes, including the Utah, the Moab, the St. George and the AFB (standing for Air Force Base). According to Lei’s daughter Lotus Lei, who runs the front house staff, each roll is inspired by the area it’s named after.

“We kind of looked at the landscape of Zions, Moab, St. George and kind of replicated that,” said Lotus Lei. “Like Moab, there’s a salmon on top. The little parsley represents the brush you kind of see in the landscape.”

While both Lei and Jimenez’s creativity adds to what makes Tony’s Grill and Sushi Bar special, the commitment the chefs share to quality and fair pricing is central to what their customers love about the restaurant. Overcoming the challenges of serving fish in a gridlocked state, Lei ships in his inventory from Las Vegas, Alaska and Canada – checking items weekly to ensure freshness. For local ingredients, he regularly shops around the area to find what he needs. 

Today, one of the most iconic offers at the business are their endless lunch and endless dinner. Priced at $20 and $28, these specials provide customers with the opportunity to explore the menu, and leave the establishment with full stomachs. 

As they move forward, Lotus Lei says that the restaurant is continually working to improve. 

“For me, definitely some more renovations would be nice – getting a little bit more modern and up-to-date,” said Lotus Lei. “I think we have a lot more room to be creative on our menu.”

As an individual who understands the power of a loyal following, Lei’s philosophy on business is centered on delivering quality to the community. This extends from his staff, which includes servers who have been with the restaurant for over 12 years, to customers who visit his location each week. 

“With everything, we try to make the best for them,” said Lei. “Even 10 years ago and right now, we’re more the same. When you’re local, it’s not like a tourist feel. Tourist people, 10 years, they don’t come back. It doesn't matter what you sell to them, but here, local, you have to take care of all of the parties.”

Tony’s Grill and Sushi Bar is located at 22 N. Main Street in Layton, Utah.