Today we’d like to introduce you to Miyoko Omori
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Owner Miyoko Omori came to America from Saitama, Japan, in 1970. She waited tables at Fuji Ya in Minneapolis for seven years until she and her then-husband opened Kikugawa, also in Minneapolis, in 1979.In 1990, Miyoko was determined to open her own restaurant.
She left Kikugawa with only her last paycheck. Her enthusiasm alone convinced the owner of Galtier Plaza in Saint Paul to rent her a space and loan her startup money. Miyoko named her new restaurant Sakura, Japanese for “Cherry blossom,” because she was born in April, the time when the cherry trees bloom in Japan.
Miyoko proved Sakura was a winning business venture. After five successful years in Galtier, Sakura moved to its 6th and St. Peter location. When that building was demolished less than two years later, Miyoko had to find a new home for Sakura.
On February 12, 1997, Miyoko signed a 10-year lease for Sakura’s present location at 350 St. Peter Street. Miyoko credits her customers help and support for Sakura’s on-going success. Friends have followed her from as far back as Fuji Ya. She’s watched children grow up coming to Sakura. Those children have gone on to have children of their own, all of whom come in to eat at Miyoko’s restaurant. She thinks of Sakura as her living room and her customers as family.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Miyoko’s journey to establishing Sakura Restaurant & Bar was far from easy. In the early days, she could only afford a small 400 sq. ft. apartment, where part of her living space had to double as storage for restaurant supplies. Every dollar was carefully spent to keep her dream alive.
Determined to introduce authentic Japanese cuisine to the community, Miyoko took a hands-on approach to promotion. She would stand outside the restaurant, personally engaging with passersby—chasing down each person to offer them a taste of her food, hoping to win them over with the quality and flavors of her dishes. Her relentless dedication and unwavering belief in her craft helped Sakura grow from its humble beginnings into the beloved establishment it is today.
The restaurant also faced difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many businesses, including Sakura, to pivot quickly to takeout and delivery while ensuring the safety of staff and customers. Despite these struggles, resilience, passion, and the support of the loyal Sakura community helped the restaurant overcome obstacles and continue thriving.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sakura Restaurant & Bar. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
About Sakura Restaurant & Bar:
Established over 30 years ago, Sakura Restaurant & Bar has been a cornerstone of authentic Japanese dining in the Twin Cities. Founded by Miyoko Omori, who journeyed from Saitama, Japan, to the United States in 1970, Sakura has grown from humble beginnings to a celebrated establishment in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
SAKURASTPAUL.COM
Our Specialties:
At Sakura, we pride ourselves on offering a genuine Japanese culinary experience. Our menu features:
Sushi and Sashimi: Prepared with the freshest ingredients by experienced chefs, our sushi bar offers a wide selection that caters to both traditional tastes and adventurous palates.
Traditional Dishes: From comforting bowls of udon and soba noodles to flavorful sukiyaki and teriyaki dishes, we bring the essence of Japanese home cooking to your table.
What Sets Us Apart:
Authenticity: Our commitment to preserving traditional Japanese flavors and techniques ensures an authentic dining experience.
Warm Hospitality: Miyoko considers Sakura her living room and our guests as family. This philosophy creates a welcoming atmosphere where patrons feel at home.
Our Pride
We take immense pride in being a part of the Saint Paul community for over three decades. Our journey from a small space in Galtier Plaza to our current location at 350 Saint Peter Street reflects our resilience and dedication. We’ve had the honor of serving multiple generations, watching families grow and continue to choose Sakura as their dining destination.
What We Offer
Diverse Menu: A wide array of Japanese dishes, from sushi rolls to hearty noodle soups, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Catering and Private Events: We provide catering services and have a private party room available, perfect for special occasions or corporate events.
Convenient Services: Enjoy curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery options to savor our dishes at your convenience.
Special Offers: Weekday happy hours from 4 PM to 6 PM (except event days) and take advantage of free parking at Victory Ramp from 4 PM to 12 AM.
At Sakura Restaurant & Bar, we are more than just a place to eat; we are a community hub where memories are made, and traditions are celebrated. We invite you to join us and become a part of our story.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Miyoko would like to express her heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated employees and staff who have been an integral part of Sakura’s journey. Their hard work, passion, and commitment have played a crucial role in the restaurant’s success, and she deeply appreciates their support throughout the years.
She is also immensely grateful for her loyal customers, whose unwavering support has spanned generations. Seeing families return time and time again, bringing new generations to experience Sakura, has been one of the greatest joys of this journey. Their trust, encouragement, and love for Japanese cuisine have been the foundation of Sakura’s success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sakurastpaul.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sakurastpaul
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SakuraStPaul
