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Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge
Kengo Kato
By
Sue LaPointe |
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Although
Sakura is Kengo’s first business venture, he
is no stranger to the restaurant industry. His father
owned three Japanese restaurants in New York. Kengo
began helping with the family business at a young
age, washing dishes by the time he was in second grade.
"We
have Hibachi tables, which allow a personal chef to
cook for you,” explained Kengo. “I personally
like open kitchens and seeing the chef at work, so
I believe this is a great feature of our restaurant.”
As a newcomer to the area, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse
owner Kengo Kato has enjoyed getting to know the people
of Toledo and having the opportunity to share his
love of Japanese cuisine.
Kengo moved to Toledo in July 2007, immediately prior
to opening the doors of his restaurant—Sakura
Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge. After living
in Vermont, and New York City before that, Toledo
has been a big change for Kengo, but one he has appreciated.
“I like Toledo; the people have been really
good to me,” said Kengo. “And Toledo is
known for its numerous restaurants, so this move has
been a good experience, and I’m very happy with
the outcome.”
Although Sakura is Kengo’s first business venture,
he is no stranger to the restaurant industry. His
father owned three Japanese restaurants in New York.
Kengo began helping with the family business at a
young age, washing dishes by the time he was in second
grade.
As a teenager, however, rebellion came into play,
and Kengo took a detour from the path of the family
industry for a short time.
“In high school I wasn’t such a good kid,”
laughed Kengo. “I knew I wanted to be in the
restaurant industry, but I decided to be rebellious
and work at an Italian restaurant instead of Japanese.
I did that for two years, but then went to my Dad
and apologized.”
Soon after, Kengo received his high school diploma
and began seven years of training with his father’s
best friend who owned a restaurant in New York City.
There, Kengo gained the experience and skills needed
to manage a successful restaurant.
Kengo grew tired of city life, however, and decided
to move to Vermont for a change. He worked in a Japanese
steakhouse and during that time decided he was ready
to run his own restaurant.
When the Toledo opportunity presented itself, Kengo
was ready to open the Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and
Sushi Lounge. Rather than wondering how the chefs
are preparing the entrees, Kengo’s patrons watch
as Sakura’s chefs add a table-side personal
touch: “We have Hibachi tables, which allow
a personal chef to cook for you,” explained
Kengo. “I personally like open kitchens and
seeing the chef at work, so I believe this is a great
feature of our restaurant.”
In addition to the Hibachi table experience, Sakura
customers can enjoy menu items such as steak, seafood,
chicken and a full-service bar, as well as the sushi
bar. Kengo hopes his patrons will take advantage of
Sakura’s daily happy hour drink specials and
open patio dining, as well as a live DJ adding to
the patrons’ overall experience at the restaurant.
While Fridays and Saturdays bring out big crowds,
Kengo also believes in giving his customers something
to look forward to on Sundays. On the second Sunday
of each month, Sakura guests can enjoy “all-you-can-eat”
sushi. It’s a unique idea that’s bad for
shellfish, but great for area patrons.
SAKURA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND
SUSHI LOUNGE
Kengo Kato
5294 Monroe Street
Toledo, Ohio 43623
Phone: 419-843-1300
Website: www.sakuratoledo.com
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 Toledo
Business Review highlights the best
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