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- Description
- The photograph shows the sushi counter display in what appears to be a gourmet food store or liquor establishment. There are no pre-packaged sushi trays at the counter. An employee dressed in a red and white striped shirt, a red apron and a red and white cap, stands behind a case of sushi-making materials while preparing sushi for a customer. An image of a sushi platter is displayed on the counter, suggesting the types of products that can be ordered. Another employee, an Asian male dressed in a white shirt and red tie, also stands behind the counter. A red and white sushi sign hangs above a large fan and a microwave, and other Japanese artifacts such as dolls and lanterns are also on display to create a ‘Japanese’ feel to the space.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1991
- maker
- Kodak Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.0182.13f
- accession number
- 2012.0182
- catalog number
- 2012.0182.13f
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- Description
- 2006 Sushi kit produced by the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation of California.
- The lid advertises the kit as having "everything you need to start making sushi," and includes images of the ingredients contained within the kit. AFC markets the sushi kits as gift sets and promotes the kit as desirable for parties. The kit has a picture of sushi in a circular container at the far left corner. The Southern Tsunami logo is in the right hand corner. There is a picture of a white man rolling a sushi log with different ingredients on both sides of him. There is also a picture of all the ingredients in the center. It has a "How to Sushi" booklet inside of it with 4 pieces of nigiri, 2 California rolls, and 2 other pieces of sushi on its cover.
- In 1986, AFC Corporation was born with a mission to market fresh packaged sushi to supermarkets in America, a concept revolutionary at the time. In addition to the ingredients in the 2001 edition, the 2006 edition includes two types of miso soup, soba tea, green tea, two pairs of chopsticks and a rice spatula. The variety of sushi on the image has also expanded to include items like uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe) placed in a traditional, reflecting a sense of more familiarity and popularization of different types of sushi in America, and a shift towards traditional types and presentation of sushi. The added products of miso soup and condiments serve to diversify the meals that could be created with this kit, and reveals AFC’s attempt in enhancing the consumer’s sushi experience.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 2006
- maker
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.0182.06
- accession number
- 2012.0182
- catalog number
- 2012.0182.06
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- Description
- Wooden chopsticks packaged in green and white slip-cover displays the logo and information of the manufacturer, Southern Tsunami, which produces sushi products for supermarkets. These are the second generation package design for the AFC Corporation. There were various changes made to the first generation AFC packaging. The first generation AFC logo, which contains an image of two pieces of nigiri sushi, is replaced by the Southern Tsunami logo, and a large white italicized “Sushi” is printed in the center. The printed “Sushi” links the concept of chopsticks with sushi, teaching the consumer that they are to be used when eating sushi.
- The pair of chopsticks are actually one piece that the customer easily splits into two. The corporation’s decision to manufacture disposable chopsticks is intended to provide a more authentic sushi eating experience. Chopsticks are versatile utensils but require skill, and are particularly useful in picking up fine garnishes. These types of disposable chopsticks are often widely distributed and used for packaged lunch at supermarkets in Japan, holding not only a convenience value but also a cultural one. The lack of instructions or directional images on these chopsticks assumes the consumer to have enough knowledge of its use.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- unknown
- maker
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.0182.08a
- accession number
- 2012.0182
- catalog number
- 2012.0182.08a
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- Description
- The green apron is a piece of the first generation uniform worn by Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation sushi chef between 1990 and 2006. The green bib-style apron has two large pockets right next to each other, perhaps for sushi making tools. The apron has two strings on both sides that are to be tied at the back. It also has another string with a black plastic adjustable strap to be worn around the neck. The general shape of the apron is boxy with clean straight edges, and hits the knee area.
- The first AFC chef uniform consisted of a Kimono syle coat, this full length green apron, and a chefs hat. Each component of the uniform includes the first generation AFC Corp. logo, which consists of an oval containing “AFC”, two pieces of nigiri sushi, and “Since 1986” written below the oval. The two pieces of nigiri sushi on the logo are individually wrapped with a piece of seaweed, probably a tamago nigiri (egg sushi).
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980s
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2012.0182.01c
- accession number
- 2012.0182
- catalog number
- 2012.0182.01c
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- Description
- The blue binder contains the standard sanitation log used by the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation, a company that distributes sushi products to supermarkets across the United States. The manual provides guides to the proper procedures for handling equipment, sampling food, cleaning and sanitizing, storing food, etc. These procedures are illustrated with flow charts, images, and written instructions. The idea is to ensure that the distributed products are safe, well-kept, clean, and consistent in quality.
- The binder cover has a gold AFC logo and the company address written below in white. The full title of the log is "Standard Sanitation Operation Procedures and Methods Manual." The binder includes six tabs assorted by color and title: SSOP, AFC Sushi Rice Recipes & pH Procedures, Rice HACCP, Letters of Guarantee, Servsafe Permits & Inspection Reports, and Appendix.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 2010
- maker
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.0182.10c
- accession number
- 2012.0182
- catalog number
- 2012.0182.10c
-
- Description
- A plastic miso paste bottle from the first generation AFC line.
- The bottle has a green plastic top, with a printed plastic label wrapped around the body. The label reads “NATURAL MISO PASTE” with the original AFC logo printed in the center and an image of a bowl of miso soup in the background. The word ‘Natural’ implies that this paste is made from all natural ingredients, without preservatives, additives and MSG. Underneath, “No dashi needed” is written in black to inform the consumer that no added stock is necessary when using this product. The barcode is placed on the left, as well as the ingredients and a two-step instructions list. The other side lists the nutrition facts and the distributor.
- Miso paste is dissolved in hot water and served with other garnishes to produce miso soup, which is a common soup in Japanese cuisine. It is also a popular dish at sushi bars to accompany sushi, and help cleanse the palate in between different flavors.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980s
- maker
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.23
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.23
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099
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- Description
- AFC’s first generation all-purpose eel sauce.
- The plastic bottle has a green screw-on lid, with a green paper label wrapped around its body. You can see the first generation AFC logo towards the bottom of the label, and NET Wt. 9.5 oz. (230mL). To the left, the barcode, its distribution, and suggestions of use are listed. To the right is the Nutrition Facts with the ingredients (soy sauce, sugar, starch, caramel, amino acids, and alcohol) listed below.
- AFC extended their product line to include sushi related products to diversify the consumer’s sushi eating experience, and popularize ingredients used in traditional Japanese foods. Eel sauce is typically used over grilled eel in Japan, though it can also be used over grilled meat and vegetables as suggested on the packaging. Eel sauce is also a popular sauce used to drizzle over sushi.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980s
- maker
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.15
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.15
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099
-
- Description
- The jacket was worn by James Kyaw a sushi chef for Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC). It is a white short-sleeve double breasted jacket with the AFC logo embroidered on the right front and right sleeve.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 2012.0204.02
- accession number
- 2012.0204
- catalog number
- 2012.0204.02
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- Description
- A long vinyl, green rectangular sign displaying the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation logo and advertising the company's sushi.
- The sign shows a cloth hanging from a bamboo rod meant to resemble a Japanese noren (traditional fabric room dividers). Here, it is used as a means to advertise business, hence the AFC logo printed on the sign. AFC places this sign above their sushi counters, displaying AFC’s intentionality in attempting to recreate an authentic sushi experience for consumers.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- unknown
- maker
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.0182.09
- accession number
- 2012.0182
- catalog number
- 2012.0182.09
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- Description
- This is a white sheet of 10 AFC’s first generation logo stickers. The first generation AFC logo consists of the letters “AFC” in green and two pieces of sushi in black, all contained in a red outlined oval.
- These stickers are used to seal the prepackaged sushi, and mark them as AFC products.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980s
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.07
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.07
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099
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- Description
- A first generation Tamari Soy Sauce bottle from the AFC Corporation.
- The bottle has a green lid, and is covered in a printed label that has a green background. The word "Premium" is printed in white lettering at the top of the label, and reads "Naturally Brewed", "Reduced Sodium*", "Tamari Soy Sauce", "Sushi/Sashimi Quality", and "Natural" in green, red, purple and black lettering. Underneath is the first generation AFC logo which consists of an image of two pieces of sushi. At the very bottom it reads NET 5 FL. OZ (148 mL). To the left of the front cover, there is a barcode. The right of the cover lists the Nutrition Facts, ingredients, and its distributor.
- Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans, and is an essential ingredient for many sauces, soups, and broths in Japanese cuisine, as well as a dipping sauce for sushi. Though similar in consistency and flavor, tamari has a higher concentration of soybeans than the traditional soy sauce, with little wheat content. Thus, tamari is less salty (25% less sodium), thicker and richer than the traditional soy sauce. The smoothness allows for this sauce to be used as a marinade for barbecues or seasoning for stir fry.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980s
- maker
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.18
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.18
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099
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- Description
- A textbook produced by the National Restaurant Association for employees who handle food. This Korean edition emphasizes the importance and challenge of food safety. Each chapter ends with a quiz and review. The chapters cover food safety at all stages of preparation and describe the effects of pathogens and pests. The cover is marked by a blue ServSafe logo on the top right corner, with the title of the textbook written beneath the image of a chef. The image on the book cover is focused on a chef with a red hat, smiling down at the plate of food and ensuring its presentation and quality before having it delivered to the customer. Behind her is a blurred image of a manager holding a red binder, overseeing and perhaps evaluating the chef’s performance with regards to food safety.
- The ServSafe Essential training manual is integrated into AFC’s training program to guarantee food safety based on national rules and regulations standardized for the food industry. The idea behind this training manual is that all AFC employees will have a standardized knowledge of food safety and preparation after reading this book, leading to a standardized manufacturing of their products regardless of store location or branch. This book, along with its English, Spanish, Chinese and Burmese counterparts, speaks not just to the demographics and linguistic variety of the nation’s food industry employees, but also the ethnic diversity of the AFC staff.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 2008
- maker
- National Restaurant Association
- ID Number
- 2012.0182.11d
- accession number
- 2012.0182
- catalog number
- 2012.0182.11d
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- Description
- AFC’s first generation box of tubed wasabi.
- The box is green, with the original AFC logo at the top, “Prepared Genuine Wasabi in Tube” written right below, and a bold “Grated Sushi Wasabi” printed in the center over an image of a wasabi root. Underneath is an image of a few nigiri sushi, and NET WT. 45g 1.59oz written in green. The left side of the box lists the ingredients and Nutrition facts along with the barcode and the distributor name. The backside of the box has the same AFC Logo, product name, and wasabi plant image as the front side, but the image of the nigiri sushi is replaced by an image of sushi rolls. The right side includes the directions for use. The tube encased in the box packaging is a clear plastic tube with a green lid. The AFC logo is printed at the top, as well as “Prepared Genuine Wasabi in Tube Grated Sushi Wasabi” written underneath.
- Wasabi is a plant root of the Brassicaceae family. It is grated and used as a sushi condiment to enhance flavor. It has a potent flavor and therefore only a small amount is necessary to bring out the flavor of the fish. Customers who purchase this tube of wasabi will have an ample amount to season both their take-out sushi orders and homemade sushi.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980s
- maker
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.21
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.21
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099
-
- Description
- This silver badge belonged to Saori Minota, a member of the Special Projects Department at the AFC Corp. headquarters. On the left side of her name is the second generation logo, “Southern Tsunami”, which is the trademark registered to AFC Corporation in 2003. Below her name reads “special project department”, and underneath that, “The Premier Sushi Company”, indicating the premium quality of their food.
- AFC employees were required to wear name tags while on duty. The Southern Tsunami logo reveals that this badge was used sometime after 2003 and before 2011, when the trademark was deemphasized. The badge was a means to identify the employee and the department they worked under, as well as a means to advertise their business.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- unknown
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.02
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.02
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099
-
- Description
- 2001 edition sushi kit produced by the Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation in California.
- The lid advertises the kit as the "ultimate sushi kit," complete with "everything you need to start making sushi" displaying photographs of sushi, a How to Sushi Booklet, and lists the ingredients and materials contained within the kit: pickled ginger, sushi rice, wasabi, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and seasoned vinegar. There is a sushi magnet included in the kit. On the right side of the lid, there are pictures depicting the assembly of the ingredients of a sushi roll and rolling it. The photograph of the platter of sushi includes nigiri sushi and makizushi of salmon, tuna, avocado, etc. It has the Southern Tsunami logo on the upper right corner of the lid.
- In 1986, AFC Corporation was born with a mission to market fresh packaged sushi to supermarkets in America, a concept revolutionary at the time. This product reflects the popularization of sushi and AFC’s attempt to introduce sushi-making into the American household. The creation of this kit and the tagline, “Take some fun along!” also suggests sushi-making to be a special event set aside for occasions like parties and get-togethers with family and friends. The variety of sushi on the cover is limited to salmon, tuna, white fish and shrimp nigiri and California rolls, reflecting the tastes of the consumers and perhaps their accessibility to fresh ingredients. The variety and customization of sushi also appeals to a wide range of consumers including both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 2001
- maker
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.0182.05
- accession number
- 2012.0182
- catalog number
- 2012.0182.05
-
- Description
- A first generation container of sushi rice from the AFC Corporation.
- It has a wide green screw-on lid and a rectangular body that is partially covered by a printed label. The front face of the label has the first generation AFC logo which says “Since 1986” below. Underneath, “Premium” is written in magenta lettering in the center, and “SUSHI RICE is printed in green lettering on a black horizontal strip. NET WT 1.85 lbs (839 g) is printed at the bottom in black. The right face of the label is the “Rice Cooking Instructions” which includes washing instructions and cooking instructions in four steps, accompanied by instructional images. The back face of the label displays the “Sushi Rice Season Instructions” in four steps, accompanied by instructional photos to the right. The left face of the label has the Nutrition Facts, barcode, and a space in the bottom left corner that reads “Distributed by AFC Corp.”
- AFC extended their product line to include sushi related products to diversify the consumer’s sushi eating experience, and popularize ingredients used in traditional Japanese foods. As sushi rice is an important component in sushi making, AFC distributed this product for customers interested in making sushi or other types of Japanese food at home. Sushi rice tends to be stickier in texture which gives the best results in forming sushi.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980s
- maker
- Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.16
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.16
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099
-
- Description
- This is an AFC employee badge with the second generation logo, “Southern Tsunami”. Southern Tsunami is a trademark registered to Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation in 2003. The logo consists of a blue wave with “Southern Tsunami” printed in orange and green. The logo is encased in a clear plastic container, with an empty space below for the employee to place their own name tag. On the back of the badge, there is a metal clip and a yellow sticker. On the yellow sticker, it reads "Achievement Badge Company. 1518 W. 7th St. Los Angeles 90017".
- AFC employees were required to wear name tags while on duty. The Southern Tsunami logo reveals that this badge was used sometime after 2003 and before 2011, when the trademark was deemphasized. The badge was a means to identify the employee and the department they worked under, as well as a means to advertise their business.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1990s
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.01
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.01
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099
-
- Description
- This is a roll of first generation AFC stickers. It has the first generation AFC logo, which is a red outlined oval with the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of sushi inside. Underneath the logo reads “AFC Corp. 19205 S. Laurel Park Rd. Rancho Dominiguez, CA 90220” and “For most enjoyment eat on day of purchase” written in both English and French.
- These stickers are used to seal the prepackaged sushi and mark them as AFC products. The suggestive phrase, “for most enjoyment eat on day of purchase” reminds the customer to consume the product on the day of purchase to ensure freshness, and avoid cases of food poisoning that develop from eating old raw products.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980s
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.08
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.08
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099
-
- Description
- A gold first generation AFC badge that belonged to Saori Minota, a member of the Special Projects Department at the AFC Corp. headquarters. On the left side of her name is the first generation AFC logo, which is an oval that contains the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of nigiri sushi. Below her name reads “Special project department”, indicating the department to which she belonged, and underneath, “The Premier Sushi Company” is printed in reference to the quality of AFC’s products.
- AFC employees were required to wear name tags while on duty. The first generation AFC logo reveals that this badge was used sometime before 2003, which was when the “Southern Tsunami” trademark replaced the original AFC logo. The badge was a means to identify the employee and the department they worked under, as well as a means to advertise their business.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980s
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.03
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.03
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099
-
- Description
- This sushi tray is from AFC Corporation, a distributor of sushi products at supermarkets nationwide. The two part container has a black tray with a detailed red and gold maple leaf pattern and a clear plastic lid. The clear plastic counterpart is shaped to leave space for the sushi inside, and allows for the contents of the tray to remain visible to the customers. This is an example of a small sushi tray used for packaging sushi.
- These trays often contain of a variety of rolls and nigiri, and include a side of wasabi and gari (pickled ginger) as condiments. Upon purchase, the customer is provided with a pair of disposable chopsticks and a single serving packet of soy sauce. These trays are disposable, and therefore these prepackaged sushi trays make a convenient lunch option.
- date made
- ca 1990-2010s
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2012.3099.05
- catalog number
- 2012.3099.05
- nonaccession number
- 2012.3099