New Sushi Partnership Brings Fresh Flavor to Betty Ann Market

By Zachary Daum
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Customers of Betty Ann Market, both new and old, now have a new reason to stop in. The store has launched a full sushi selection made fresh on site through a partnership with Sushilay, a retail sushi company operated by founder and CEO William Sang.

Sang, who has spent fifteen years working as a chef, said bringing his craft to Mascoutah has been an exciting step for his business. “My name is William, and I started my own sushi company. We currently operate in more than five locations, including this market,” he said. “We are so excited to bring this together, and we really appreciate becoming a partner.”

Sang emphasizes freshness and quality above all else. “We make everything fresh every day,” he said. “All the sushi freshness comes with the day and the time. We only use the freshest ingredients. All the suppliers for our products, like salmon and tuna, are trusted suppliers with layers of guarantee. We are one hundred percent guaranteed on all the product.”

When asked why he entered the sushi business, Sang explained that it began with creativity and ambition. “Sushi is like creating innovation. It is my passion,” he said. “I had a dream to start my own company and become an entrepreneur. I want to be the number one retail sushi provider in the world one day.”

Sang credited local support for making the Mascoutah launch possible. “Without community support, it would not be happening today,” he said. “We are very welcoming, and we need your support. We are serving the best sushi in the United States, so come support Betty Ann Market. It is a great store, and we are extremely happy about this partnership.”

All fish for Sushilay’s products is sourced through a supplier Sang trusts, Dr. Fish from Dallas, Texas.

Betty Ann Market owner Craig Norrenberns said the collaboration has been a smooth and successful one. “So far, it has been a great partnership with William and his team,” Norrenberns said. “He is doing a great job training up the staff that is going to be taking over and leading here.”

Norrenberns said the sushi program launched on November 5, and community response has been strong. “The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “We have had a lot of people that have never tried sushi before, and they try it and then they come back again, which tells the story that they like it.”

He said one reason for the strong reception is the visual appeal of the sushi. “You look at it and it is beautiful,” Norrenberns said. “It is absolutely fresh. The colors pop and it makes you want to try it.”

For customers unsure about raw fish or specific ingredients, Sang offers flexibility. “William does a great job of having a great variety,” Norrenberns explained. “If somebody does not like fish, there are options. If somebody sees a roll they like but they do not like cream cheese, he will make a custom roll right in front of them. It is very personable. They do a great job of meeting the need and getting people excited about trying new things.”

Norrenberns hinted at more offerings on the way at the store. Betty Ann Market has begun rolling out its seafood counter, which includes salmon, tuna steaks, scallops, lobster tails, crab legs, and more. “We will ramp that up before Christmas and New Year’s,” he said. “Next week we are launching our service counter meat. We will have higher grades of beef, locally raised specialty items, and several brat flavors available right in the case.”

He also encouraged customers to think about sushi as part of holiday hosting. “William has these party platters,” Norrenberns said. “A lot of people think what you see is what you get, but that is not always the case. Holidays are coming up, and for entertaining, think about sushi with a party platter. They are custom made and designed to serve a group.”

For Betty Ann Market, the addition of fresh on site sushi is another step in expanding what it offers to Mascoutah. For Sang and his team, it is another community to serve with the sushi they take pride in creating.

“So far it has been a huge success,” Norrenberns said. “We are excited that we are able to bring something like fresh made sushi to Mascoutah. It is another great quick lunch option, and we are thrilled people are enjoying it.”

Sang added that Sushilay is always looking to expand, open to work with other businesses interested in carrying their sushi in the future.

Betty Ann Market is located at 95 Mascoutah Plaza Dr., Mascoutah, IL 62258 and is open every day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fresh sushi is prepared on site daily.