In 2004, Oklahoman Mary Nhin was earning $4.25 an hour working retail while her husband, Kang, dreamed of opening a restaurant. They lived in a modest rental home, raising their three boys and juggling busy schedules. Fast forward to today, and the Nhins are making a profound impact across Oklahoma and beyond—not only through their restaurant concept, Nhinja Sushi & Wok, but also with Mary’s bestselling children’s books and their philanthropic efforts.
Their journey wasn’t easy. From navigating rejection to creating a restaurant designed for real families, their story is filled with true Okie grit, creativity, and a deep love for their family & community.
Building a Dream: 11 Banks Said No
The dream of owning a restaurant began with Kang, who had a vision for a high-quality sushi spot. In 2004, with no cash, no credit, and no collateral, the couple approached 11 different banks, only to be turned down each time.
“We heard ‘no’ over and over again,” Mary shared. “But we weren’t ready to give up.”
Instead, they turned to their own network. Pooling together loans from friends and family, along with high-interest credit card advances, they finally secured the funds to open their first restaurant, Kang’s, in Edmond.
“It was a risk, and we put everything on the line,” Mary explained. “We worked seven days a week, 12 to 14 hours a day. It was exhausting, but we were determined to make it work.”
From Nice Dining to Family Dining
Kang’s quickly became known for its fresh, high-quality sushi and inviting atmosphere. But while the restaurant was a success, dining there with their three small children was a challenge.
“It wasn’t formal, but it was a nice place,” Mary said. “When we brought our toddlers, I felt this constant pressure to keep them quiet or well-behaved.”
That experience sparked an idea: What if there was a restaurant where families could enjoy healthy, delicious sushi without feeling judged for having noisy or messy kids?
Mary and Kang envisioned a fast-casual restaurant that offered the same high-quality food but in a relaxed, welcoming environment for parents and children alike. That idea became Nhinja Sushi & Wok, a restaurant created for real families who need meals that are fresh, fast, and stress-free.
Today, Nhinja Sushi has multiple locations across the OKC Metro area, including its popular South Oklahoma City location near Westmoore High School.
A Menu for Everyone
At Nhinja, the focus is on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a menu that caters to all tastes. From sushi rolls and teriyaki bowls to kid-friendly family meals, there’s something for everyone—even picky eaters.
“We wanted families to feel good about what they’re eating,” Mary said. “Our food is nutritious and made to order, but it’s also quick and approachable.”
Dishes like the rainbow sushi roll and comforting chicken fried rice have become local favorites, while the restaurant’s fast-casual service keeps things convenient for busy families.
Writing Stories That Change Lives
While managing the 80 team members of Nhinja keeps Mary busy, she’s also made time to pursue another passion: writing children’s books. When one of her sons struggled with performance anxiety in sports, Mary created “Angry Ninja,” a story to help him work through his feelings.
That single book grew into the “Ninja Life Hacks” series, which now includes over 400 titles covering topics like resilience, kindness, and emotional intelligence. Her books are used in classrooms and homes across the country, inspiring children to develop confidence and life skills.
“I never expected it to grow the way it has,” Mary shared. “It’s amazing to know these stories are helping kids and families.”
Giving Back Through Philanthropy
For the Nhins, success isn’t just about business—it’s about giving back. In 2023, they launched Collective for Children, a nonprofit dedicated to donating one million social-emotional learning books to underserved children.
“We saw this gap where families and educators couldn’t afford resources like these books,” Mary explained. “We want to fill that gap and give kids the tools they need to thrive.”
In addition, the Nhins will host the Young GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Kids Business Fair in April 2025, providing a platform for 100 young entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas. The event will include scholarships and hands-on opportunities to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
Nhinja: A Place for Family and Community
At its heart, Nhinja Sushi is about more than food—it’s about family. “We’re a local family, and Nhinja was created with families like ours in mind,” Mary said.
Whether it’s a quick lunch during a packed workday or a dinner after soccer practice, Nhinja’s South OKC location has become a favorite gathering place for neighbors to connect over fresh, nutritious meals.
“We know how hectic life can get,” Mary shared. “That’s why we focus on making great food that fits into your busy schedule.”
Visit Nhinja Sushi Today
Looking for a restaurant where quality meets convenience? Stop by Nhinja Sushi near Westmoore High School or any of their other OKC Metro locations. From their fresh sushi rolls to their welcoming atmosphere, you’ll find more than a meal—you’ll find a place made for families by a family who cares.
Want to know more about Nhinja Sushi? Check out their featured business profile below, or you can find them on social media at:
Amy Singleton is a contributing author and online editor for Whirlocal South OKC, Moore, and Norman. She’s the host of the Queen Lead Podcast, a motivational & marketing keynote speaker, and the CEO at HITE.
Featured Place
Nhinja Sushi South Western
12301 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73170
(405) 676-8787
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Dec. 6th, 2023