Mikuni, a popular Sacramento sushi chain, is being acquired by Tokyo-based conglomerate
The Mikuni Restaurant Group — a locally owned sushi restaurant chain — is being acquired by a Tokyo-based conglomerate as the Sacramento owners seek to expand their eateries nationwide.
Vanshow California, a subsidiary of Pan Pacific International Holdings, has bought the popular Northern California brand that has eight locations in the Sacramento region and one in Concord, according to a Thursday news release.
Taro Arai, Mikuni’s “chief dreaming officer” and master sushi chef, said they cannot disclose any financial details when asked the preliminary acquisition price.
The investment helps to accelerate Mikuni’s goal of expanding to 50 locations by its 50th anniversary, Arai said in a news release announcing the deal. Arai’s family immigrated to the United States and opened the first Mikuni restaurant in 1987 in Fair Oaks.
“We want to emphasize that Mikuni’s heart and soul will remain true as we live by our mission to be the most loving and loved company in the world,” Arai said in the release.
There will be no changes to leadership, management, operations or changes for the more than 1,000 employees under Mikuni’s brand, the news release said.
The deal, “subject to customary closing conditions,” is set to close in the second quarter of 2025.
Arai wrote in an email that the Mikuni Restaurant Group felt aligned with Pan Pacific International Holdings’ core values, team, meaningful community commitments and leadership style.
“With a ‘customers matter most’ focus, we are pleased to grow our brand alongside their team and the time was right as we mapped out our future for Mikuni,” Arai wrote.
Pan Pacific International Holdings is involved in selling Japanese groceries, real estate and financial services.
Mikuni said it is planning to open its 10th location, in El Dorado Hills, in April.
