Just Roll’d Up

Just Roll’d Up

By: Donna D’Angelo

Pittsburgh’s beloved traveling sushi truck, Just Roll’d Up, has found a permanent home in East Liberty. Chef and owner Robert Foster jumped at the chance to open a brick-and-mortar location when a turnkey opportunity became available earlier this year. While the truck will continue to serve the city and its suburbs, customers can now visit the new shop at 132 S. Highland Ave, the former home of Kahuna Poke and Juice Bar.

East Liberty, a growing and vibrant neighborhood, offers the ideal setting for Foster to permanently park his street sushi concept—especially since the location has personal significance. The storefront sits next to Muddy Waters Oyster Bar, where Foster first came up with the idea for Just Roll’d Up.

A self-taught chef, Foster was inspired while working at Muddy Waters. It was there he discovered Samuels Seafood, a supplier that brought premium products like sushi-grade tuna, sea urchin, and raw oysters to landlocked Pittsburgh. He noticed there weren’t any seafood-focused food trucks in the area, despite the high-quality ingredients available. With access to essentials like sushi rice, Japanese mayo, and togarashi, the idea was born—and with the city easing food truck regulations, Foster took the leap.

In 2018, Just Roll’d Up hit the streets, serving sushi rolls, sashimi, sushi burritos, and colorful poke bowls. The truck quickly became part of Pittsburgh’s thriving mobile food scene. The freedom of the food truck model allowed Foster to run a lean operation while connecting with diverse communities. His background working front of house gave him a strong sense of customer service, while the truck let him develop a direct rapport with diners. “Personality is half the equation,” he says.

Earlier this year, the Muddy Waters team approached Foster with the opportunity to take over the Kahuna space. With his team outgrowing the 100-square-foot truck, the timing felt right. The existing kitchen layout made for an easy transition, with only rebranding needed.

The new Just Roll’d Up location offers a clean, minimalist space for seafood lovers. The core menu remains largely the same, with a few tweaks: eight-piece sushi rolls are off the menu, but new grab-and-go sashimi options are in. Fan favorites are here to stay, including the Tuna 2 Times poke bowl—featuring bold, acidic yellowfin tuna with fermented seaweed salad—and the Ora Madori Salmon bowl, made with Samuels’ exclusive Akaroa New Zealand King Salmon.

From food truck to full circle, Foster’s journey continues—one roll at a time.