Hi, we’re Little Nishi.
It’s nice to meet you.
Founded in September 2023, Little Nishi is an Austin-based food truck with two locations, offering premium hand rolls, fresh sashimi, and inventive Japanese-inspired small plates infused with local flavors.
Our core values are gratitude, commitment, and humility.
Joel Taylor is the founder, owner, and executive sushi chef for Little Nishi.
Joel's love for Japanese cuisine blossomed during his childhood when his parents hosted Japanese exchange students. This passion led him to pursue a sushi apprenticeship at a Japanese restaurant in Chico, CA.
In 2020, Joel further honed his skills as a sushi chef at Uroko, training under chef and owner Takehiro Asazu for 2 years. Then, in September 2023, the Little Nishi trailer was opened, marking the next chapter in Joel's culinary adventure.
The second trailer opened in October 2024.
We’re slated for a brick and mortar by summer 2026.
Continuing his culinary journey, Joel took on the role of head chef at Roll On Sushi Diner in Austin, dedicating three years to crafting exceptional dishes. His expertise then led him to Kome Sushi, where he trained under chefs Toshiake Irie and kazuaki Shimizu. He worked his way up and he served as an Ichiban chef for two years, contributing significantly to the restaurant's culinary excellence during his five-year tenure.