I’m a big fan of itsu.

For one thing, there are three outlets very near our office, and their salmon and tuna sushi with extra ginger and wasabi makes my lunchtime just that bit lovelier.

For another, they have an inherently social style. Sure, their social media presence is poor. They run some Foursquare deals but they’re not on Facebook or Twitter, which is surprising considering their health-conscious, urban, new-media sort of patrons. But social media isn’t everything. What they do have is a charismatic founder; a strong, authentic and playful identity that permeates everything they do; talkative, helpful staff; and a great, constantly evolving product.

Even better, this is what I found on my tray when I treated myself to a noodle soup yesterday.

Swiftly reactive, personal, heartfelt and conversational. Now that’s what I call super-social CSR.

There are itsu evangelists out there crying out for engagement; harness the brand’s existing instincts to some kick-ass tools and on/offline tactics, and these sushi sellers have stellar social potential.

Tags: CSR, itsu, julian metcalfe, social CSR