While the sports on the TVs and rock-and-roll music on the speakers are part of the theme, the focus is on the food, according to manager Heather McCoy-Smith. Traditional sushi, sushi rolls, rice and noodles, and teriyaki bowls are all available for dine-in, take-out or catering — or even delivery through DoorDash.

“We like to say we’re a sushi restaurant that offers (fusion) bar food,” McCoy-Smith said. She points to sticky wings, jalapeno poppers stuffed with tuna, and an array of burgers as options. But for sushi lovers, cooked rolls are favorites.

Sports-themed sushi rolls like the Detroit Tiger, Detroit Lion, MSU and Wolverine are go-tos for many sports fans, while the Hartland Eagle — a cooked roll with crab salad, cream cheese and steamed shrimp topped with avocado, sweet chili, spicy mayo and tempura crunch — is a local favorite. McCoy-Smith has fresh tuna flown in weekly from Hawaii, and even gets calls from her supplier 3,000 miles away about other fresh catches.

Despite the uniqueness of the restaurant, it hasn’t always been easy. Finding employees continues to be a challenge, even four years after COVID, according to McCoy-Smith. Hatorando has 18 employees, including specially schooled and trained sushi chefs from overseas. The restaurant is set back from Highland Road near the US-23 intersection in the Hartland Plaza Shopping Center.