This North Carolina Gas Station Is Serving Some Of The South's Best Sushi

Southern Living•December 28, 2025•business

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Akami Sushi in Apex, NC, transformed from a former Subway gas station into one of North Carolina's top sushi spots by chef Birdie Owattragool, who opened it in 2021 after the pandemic.
The restaurant features a cozy atmosphere with wooden beams and Japanese street art, creating an intimate dining experience that contrasts with its gas station origins.
Chef Birdie, influenced by his mentor Masa, uses traditional and modern techniques with premium fish sourced directly from Japan to highlight natural flavors in dishes like the sake blue belly sashimi and Shishito Roll.
Loyal customers can earn a spot in chef Birdie's exclusive chopstick rack, which holds only 50 special sets reserved for regulars who frequently visit the restaurant