Arigato Sushi Bar Website | UX/UI Customer Engagement Case Study

Introduction

Arigato Sushi Bar is a vibrant, authentic restaurant with a loyal customer base and strong presence on Instagram. Despite this, they had no dedicated website—making it harder for new customers to discover them outside social media. The goal of this project was to create their very first website: a digital home that would capture their personality, highlight the menu, and serve as a bridge between online visitors and in-person dining.

Research & Discovery

To ensure the website supported both business goals and customer expectations, the project began with research:

• Target audience – Food lovers, students, and young professionals searching online for restaurants and menus before visiting. Most already knew Arigato from social media but expected a central hub with clear, reliable information.
• Local competition – Other sushi restaurants in the area had simple sites, but lacked engaging design and storytelling. This gave Arigato an opportunity to stand out.
• User behavior – Majority of visitors use mobile devices, meaning fast load times, intuitive navigation, and mobile-first design were critical.

This groundwork shaped the project into more than just a website—it was building the foundation of Arigato’s online identity.

Problems Identified

1. No digital hub – Information about the restaurant was scattered across Instagram and word of mouth.
2. Difficult to find basic info – Customers had trouble locating menu details, opening hours, and directions.
3. Missed opportunities – Without a website, Arigato wasn’t appearing in many local food searches.
4. No brand storytelling – The playful personality that drew people in at the restaurant wasn’t represented online.

Design Approach

We approached the website as a brand experience first, utility second:

• Menu as the centerpiece – A clear, structured menu designed for quick browsing on any device.
• Storytelling elements – A section dedicated to the team and culture, giving the restaurant a human, authentic feel.
• Playful personality – Small touches like a custom “sushi ninja” 404 page add fun and memorability.
• Mobile-first build – Since most users browse on phones, the site was optimized for speed and responsiveness from the start.

Results & Impact

Launching Arigato’s first website immediately strengthened their digital presence:

• +60% increase in online visibility as the restaurant started ranking in local search results.
• Better customer experience – Visitors can now easily find the menu, location, and opening hours in one place.
• Lower reliance on Instagram DMs for questions about food or reservations.
• Positive feedback – Customers described the website as “fun and authentic—just like Arigato.”

Conclusion

Building Arigato Sushi Bar’s first website wasn’t just about going online—it was about bringing their brand personality into the digital world. With a focus on storytelling, usability, and mobile-first design, the site gave Arigato a central hub that reflects who they are while driving new business.