FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – On Saturday, people lined up outside of On a Roll Sushi Mexican Japanese Bar in Downtown Fresno, not just for the food but to meet new owner Itati Lopez, a social media star from Bakersfield with millions of followers.
“I came out in hopes to meet and get a picture with her and also to try out the sushi that I’ve heard is super good,” said Jessica Contreras, who waited in line for an hour.
Others came to show their love and excitement.
“I’m here to support Itati and to support the Latino community,” said Brian Lozano. “I’ve been following her since 2018 when she started social media.”
On a Roll Sushi had its soft opening in November and has been open since. For Lopez, owning a restaurant is part of her entrepreneurial journey, a dream she has had since she was 18, though it has not been easy.
“At the beginning, it’s hard to sit at a table full of men and it’s hard for them to look at you and ask as a woman, ‘Can you do this?’ Yes, I can,” said Lopez. “I ended up creating a skincare and beauty line by myself on my own, one that is mine. And now I’m getting into the business of restaurants, which is so much fun.”
Lopez celebrated with family, friends, and live music by Nueva Leyenda, while customers enjoyed drinks and sushi.
“You can expect so many things that you can literally choose from, we have raw sushi, baked sushi,” said Lopez. “Our top famous appetizers being the ‘heart attack’ my personal favorite.”
One customer in line recently moved to Fresno and has been following Lopez on social media for a while.
“She’s very hard-working, inspiring, you know, she I know she started off with doing TikTok’s and stuff, but she has her own show now in her restaurant, so it’s inspiring as a woman to see someone else grow,” said Briana Lopez.
Management promises great food and a nice ambiance for lunch or dinner.
“I think it’s very unique because it’s a family place,” said Rosa Guillen, manager of On The Roll Sushi. “My family is all together, including Itati and her husband. We make a great team, we’re like a family. Come try our food and we’ll treat you like you’re at home.”
If you are hoping to catch more of TikTok star Itati Lopez you can visit her on tour as she brings her podcast to life alongside her mom Doña Silvia.
