It all started in 1987 when four businessmen saw an opportunity to introduce Japanese teppanyaki cooking to the US market, opening their first store in the Liberty Tree Mall in Boston, Massachusetts. The four entrepreneurs built the company from the ground up, working tirelessly, sharing responsibilities, and applying their complementary skills and personalities to achieve success and overcome challenges, constantly learning and growing. The founders believed that the market was ripe for a new concept in shopping center food courts offering fresh, healthier, made to order meals cooked directly in front of customers. In differentiating themselves from traditional steam table operators in the food court, they would find loyal customers for life.

The first years were anything but easy. All four founders poured their hearts and energy into the dream—working late into the nights, and for some, balancing full-time day jobs—driven by an unwavering belief in the vision they were building together. Their dedication earned them an opportunity in a high-profile center and to one of the founders relocating across the country to manage this store, which became our 1st million-dollar store. They introduced Japanese teppanyaki cooking to food courts in the Northeast, Florida and Texas. This dynamic, made-to-order, exhibition cooking style, where meals are cooked hot and fresh directly in front of customers, infused the food court dining experience with showmanship and energy, setting them apart from other food court operators. To introduce our food to people that had never tried teriyaki before, we offered free samples of our best-selling Chicken Teriyaki to customers in the food court and inevitably customers were hooked!

The Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement is the foundation of our business. The true testament to the Kaizen spirit is the countless hours spent refining recipes, food preparation and cooking methods that result in the juiciest, most flavorful chicken ready to eat in as little time or faster than steam table operators. We have perfected our signature teriyaki sauce to deliver the unique flavor that customers crave. Others have tried to replicate our cooking techniques and operations, but none have succeeded.

By the 90s, locations opened in the South, Midwest and West Coast. We opened our first “million-dollar store” in 1993, celebrated 10 years in business in 1997, and marked the opening of our 100th store in 1999. We didn’t stop there, as our first street front location opened its doors in 2008 in Woburn, Massachusetts, paving the way to serve customers outside of malls. We were thrilled when we opened our first location on a Military Base in 2010 and are honored to serve troops in Texas, Kentucky, Washington, Oklahoma, and Nevada.

In 2011, we took our iconic Chicken Teriyaki beyond U.S. borders, opening our first four international locations in Colombia. Thanks to our trusted licensed partner with over 40 years of restaurant experience and a successful track record with Frisby’s—the largest fried chicken chain in Colombia—we hit the ground running. Today, there are 38 Sarku Japan restaurants across the country, from vibrant street corners to bustling malls and a fan-favorite food truck. And we’re just getting started. The passionate team behind Sarku Japan is dedicated to delivering our signature taste to every corner of Colombia.

After introducing fresh teppanyaki cooking to over 12 million customers, we are the only Japanese QSR in the United States operating coast to coast with over 170 stores across 34 states and 35 stores in Colombia. We’re constantly innovating to deliver the highest-quality ingredients and maintain uncompromising food quality standards, including marinating and hand mixing chicken in restaurants daily to maximize flavor and tenderness.

We keep improving and were excited to launch the SJ App, Points-based loyalty program and partnered with third-party delivery services in 2020. Our goal is to make it easier for new and loyal customers to satiate their craving for their favorite teriyaki meal whenever they want. At Sarku Japan, we continue to work hard to deliver the most satisfying meals to our customers every day.