1 hr 2 min
Episode 22: Mikuni Sushi - From Japanese Village to American Abundance, Taro Arai Dreams BIG. A Seat at the Table
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- Management
Growing up with the backdrop of a small Japanese village, Taro's yearning for freedom and acceptance was a seed that would eventually blossom into an American dream. Alongside his son Koki, Taro shares how he saved enough money from a paper route to fly his whole family to America as a teenager. He talks about how his father had a dream they should open a restaurant and how a chance encounter with a Japanese businessman landed them investment money which allowed them to fulfill that dream.
With no experience running a restaurant and nearly no research into location, food costs, equipment costs or restaurant management, the family launched Mikuni 36 years ago. Even while plagued by debt and mistakes, Taro’s infectious energy and his commitment to make customers feel welcome and satisfied helped Mikuni to grow into one of the best known and loved restaurants in northern California.
This is a story of family dynamics, demonstrating how personal growth and business acumen can harmonize beautifully and how to balance work with the joys of familial connection. Taro recounts the family's expansion, the trials of partnership and ownership, and the resilience instilled by his father. As we look toward the family's aspiration of reaching 50 locations by their 50th anniversary, the sense of optimism is palpable. This episode isn't just about growth; it's homage to the relentless pursuit of big dreams and the community spirit that turns them into reality.
For more details about Mikuni Sushi visit http://www.mikunisushi.com
For more information about the Family Business Center visit: Capital Region Family Business Center website
To learn more about how our sponsor, River City Bank may help your family business, visit their website: River City Bank
Growing up with the backdrop of a small Japanese village, Taro's yearning for freedom and acceptance was a seed that would eventually blossom into an American dream. Alongside his son Koki, Taro shares how he saved enough money from a paper route to fly his whole family to America as a teenager. He talks about how his father had a dream they should open a restaurant and how a chance encounter with a Japanese businessman landed them investment money which allowed them to fulfill that dream.
With no experience running a restaurant and nearly no research into location, food costs, equipment costs or restaurant management, the family launched Mikuni 36 years ago. Even while plagued by debt and mistakes, Taro’s infectious energy and his commitment to make customers feel welcome and satisfied helped Mikuni to grow into one of the best known and loved restaurants in northern California.
This is a story of family dynamics, demonstrating how personal growth and business acumen can harmonize beautifully and how to balance work with the joys of familial connection. Taro recounts the family's expansion, the trials of partnership and ownership, and the resilience instilled by his father. As we look toward the family's aspiration of reaching 50 locations by their 50th anniversary, the sense of optimism is palpable. This episode isn't just about growth; it's homage to the relentless pursuit of big dreams and the community spirit that turns them into reality.
For more details about Mikuni Sushi visit http://www.mikunisushi.com
For more information about the Family Business Center visit: Capital Region Family Business Center website
To learn more about how our sponsor, River City Bank may help your family business, visit their website: River City Bank
1 hr 2 min