Let us know what you thought of this episode and any other comments you may have.
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
To learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit our website HERE
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.