Lathrop
Lathrop, CA · Food & Drink
The Modesto Bee
Popular Japanese restaurant opens first Modesto location. Here's where
Sarku Japan, a popular Janpanese restaurant known for its teriyaki chicken, is now open at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto. It’s the third location in the Central Valley, along with Fresno and Visalia, and the 16th location in California. CEO Jon Gilliam expressed enthusiasm for the new location at a ceremony held Friday. He was introduced by Trish Christensen, president and CEO of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, with remarks from city council members Jeremiah Williams and Rosa Escutia-Braaton before they cut the ribbon to officially open the store Operating primarily in malls, the fresh-quick Japanese restaurant started in 1987 by four businessmen who wanted to bring Japanese teppanyaki cooking to the United States. The first location opened in Boston, drawing customers in with teriyaki chicken samples on a toothpick. Since that time, the company has expanded to over 240 restaurants worldwide. The Modesto location employs around 20 people. In his speech, Gilliam touted their commitment to fresh food and ingredients. He said each location hand-marinates the chicken overnight and food is prepared to order. Their specialty is the teriyaki chicken, served alongside a vegetable medley over a bed of white rice. Teriyaki beef and shrimp are also available and
