The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce celebrated the official opening of Must Be Cow Jan. 5 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Two months after a soft opening to first-time customers, it was time for the owners of Must Be Cow, a new Korean BBQ and Sushi Restaurant at 5511 Sunrise Blvd. in Citrus Heights to take their public bow.

The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce invited city, county and elected officials to a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 5, where new customers and invited guests watched experienced chefs artfully prepare sizzling Korean barbecue dishes at one of 40 individual table grilling stations. Guests were introduced to an expansive menu of eye-popping, all you can eat (AYCE) sushi treats.

The interior of Must Be Cow is colorful, full of reds and grays, and there’s no missing the chubby character of a friendly cow mascot in the front lobby holding a piece of sushi between raised chopsticks welcoming arriving customers.

A friendly cow mascot in the front lobby holding a piece of sushi between raised chopsticks welcomes customers arriving at the restaurant. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

The dining room blends cozy booth seating with modern decor and soft lighting, offering a comfortable, relaxed space for friends and families to enjoy a great meal together.

According to its owner, Jason Duan, Must Be Cow represents a new generation of all you can eat (AYCE) dining, where “freshness and creativity” meet. The owners are committed to “using only the finest ingredients and ensures that every bite is a moment of pure delight.”

Duan is a partner in the Bay Area-based Japanese fusion restaurant chain Sizzling Lunch.

According to the restaurant’s website, “Our team of skilled chefs combines traditional Korean BBQ techniques with modern flair to create masterpieces that are both visually stunning and delicious. Each dish is a work of art that reflects our passion for Korean and Japanese cuisine.”

The restaurant is offering discounted level menu pricing during the month of January, Duan said. Menu orders are served in rounds. After each round is completed, the next order of rounds may begin.

The Silver level menu at $28.99 per person has a set limit for a specific category including appetizer, Korean BBQ, BBQ vegetables and sushi hand rolls.

A $39.99 Gold menu includes a selection of sushi appetizers, appetizers, sushi hand rolls and sashimi.

“Our menu is curated to emphasize premium quality ingredients, such as prime meats and made-to-order handrolls, ensuring a unique standard for Korean BBQ and sushi dining,” Duan said describing the restaurant’s philosophy.

The dining room blends cozy booth seating with modern decor and soft lighting, offering a comfortable, relaxed space for friends and families to enjoy a great meal together. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

Choices include a wide range of premium meats, house-marinated favorites, seafood selections and creative hand rolls, each crafted to order.

“We focus on delivering consistent quality by sourcing fresh ingredients, preparing items in-house, and ensuring each grill-table experience is smooth, interactive, and fun for families, couples, and large groups,” Duan said.

The restaurant was once the location of the Peppermill Restaurant and Lounge, a Logan’s Roadhouse, before becoming Boston’s Pizza Sports Bar and Grill, which closed in 2023.

Reviews on Yelp beginning on Nov. 20 when the restaurant first opened have been favorable, saying restaurant has friendly staff, fast service, a “cool ambiance,” and “super tasty” food.

Must Be Cow Korean BBQ and Sushi Restaurant at 5511 Sunrise Blvd. in Citrus Heights is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations are accepted. View an online menu at mustbecow.net/menu or call (916) 436-4795 for more information.