Texas Border Business
The launch of the Franz Roll at Mori Japanese Grill and Kumori Sushi & Teppanyaki was a sensational event. Approximately 30 guests were invited to try the new sushi creation, named in honor of Steven Franz, a young and rising influencer renowned for his engaging content on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. His YouTube channel features diverse videos, including humorous interviews and comedic segments, blending humor with candid interactions that have garnered a significant following.
Steven Franz, a well-known influencer from McAllen, Texas, has ventured into the culinary world by launching his signature sushi roll, the Franz Roll. This exciting addition to the menus of Mori Japanese Grill and Kumori Sushi & Teppanyaki has garnered significant attention and positive feedback since its debut.
The creation of the Franz Roll was a joint effort between Steven Franz and Paco Paez, the owner of Mori and Kumori restaurants. Their goal was to develop a roll that incorporated Steven’s favorite flavors. The final product features a delectable combination of crab, shrimp, tempura avocado, cream cheese, various sauces, and a thin slice of jalapeño on top, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Steven Franz, an influencer since 2018, shared his enthusiasm about the launch. “Last year, in 2023, we started talking with Mori and the Kumori group about launching a roll and narrowed it down to this. It has all my favorite flavors in it,” he said. The development process took nearly a year, involving multiple photo shoots and video production to promote the new sushi roll.
The Franz Roll: A Culinary Hit at Mori Japanese Grill
The Franz Roll at Mori Japanese Grill launch event, located in La Plaza Mall, drew around 30 guests who had the privilege of being the first to taste this new sushi creation. The event was a resounding success, with attendees praising the innovative flavors and sharing their experiences on social media. Here are five of the attendees who shared their thoughts with Texas Border Business after tasting the Franz Roll:
- Thelma Támez described the Franz Roll as a perfect blend of innovation and tradition. Having tried multiple rolls at Mori, she found this one particularly special. “The sauce is special, and so I truly enjoyed it. It’s light and very enjoyable. I highly recommend everyone to try it,” she said, highlighting its unique flavor profile.
- Laura Gutiérrez attended the event with high expectations and was not disappointed. She praised the roll for its spectacular blend of sweetness and sourness. “The flavors were amazing,” she said, noting the perfect balance of spicy jalapeño and the overall combination of ingredients. Laura highly recommended the roll, expressing her hopes that everyone would enjoy it as much as she did.
- John David Franz, Sr., father of Steven Franz, shared his experience of tasting the roll. “Not because I’m his father, but it is a delicious roll, and I highly recommend it,” he stated, expressing his genuine appreciation for the roll’s flavors.
- Sony Rego found the Franz Roll a “sexy” creation with all the elements she loves in sushi. She specifically mentioned the cream cheese, tempura shrimp, and jalapeño as standout ingredients, along with the spicy mayonnaise that added a delicious twist. “He did a very good job,” she concluded, acknowledging Steven’s efforts.
- Albert Rego was initially unsure about what to expect, but his doubts were quickly dispelled after taking a bite. He emphasized the perfect balance between sweetness and spiciness, which he considers crucial in culinary practices. “If there was a right balance, this was it,” he said, commending the roll for achieving this delicate harmony.
The Franz Roll: A Sushi Sensation
The Franz Roll, featuring a delightful blend of crab, shrimp, tempura avocado, cream cheese, various sauces, and a thin slice of jalapeño, is now available at Mori Japanese Grill and Kumori Sushi & Teppanyaki locations. The roll has received rave reviews and is expected to become a favorite among sushi enthusiasts. For those unable to visit in person, the roll can also be ordered through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Favor.
Steven Franz expressed his hopes for the Franz Roll, stating, “I want it to become one of the most popular rolls at Kumori and for the people of the Rio Grande Valley to enjoy it. Honestly, it’s a really good sushi roll. It’s not just because it has my name on it, but it has all my favorite ingredients.”
This new culinary creation showcases Steven Franz’s tastes and highlights his ability to integrate his influencer career with new, exciting culinary ideas. The Franz Roll demonstrates his versatility and creativity and promises to become a favorite among sushi enthusiasts in the region.
