Sushi Bar Photograph, 2001

The color photograph from 1991 shows the supermarket display counter for the sushi products of the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation. Above the counter is a red banner with a bold “SUSHI” printed in the center. The pre-packaged products are displayed in an open refrigerated space. Underneath the “special new items” section on the left part of the display are several pre-packaged rolls. To the right are other pre-packaged sushi products, holding a variety of rolls and a few nigiri. Containers of wasabi and gari (ginger) are lined up behind the pre-packaged sushi products. The clear glass coolers directly above hold a variety of fresh raw fish. The signs placed on the counter illustrate the variety of sushi that can be prepared behind the counter for orders.

In the photo, the employee is wearing a red and white AFC uniform which consists of a white and red collared top, red and white cap, and a red bib-style apron. Though the refrigerated area holds plenty of pre-packaged sushi that are available for immediate purchase, the sushi chef is there to satisfy special orders that are not available in the pre-packaged selection and guarantees that they are freshly made. The sushi chef stands behind the bar and prepares the sushi in a space that is visible to the curious customers. If a certain pre-packaged product is running low, the sushi chef assures that more are made. With a systematic management and training process, AFC is able to maintain consistency in their products regardless of store location and employee. The sushi bar is typically managed by one or two employees.

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