A fresh wave of flavor is headed for East Sacramento.
Genki Kitchen, a casual concept specializing in Japanese comfort food, is preparing to take over the current Kau Kau space inside the 57th Street Antique Mall. The restaurant is a collaboration between longtime restaurateur Lynn Fu and the duo behind Elk Grove’s popular Tanuki Izakaya & Ramen: Steven Luong and Johnny Lin.
Known for its elevated take on Hawaiian soul food and vegan-friendly fare, Kau Kau opened at 855 57th St, Suite C in the summer of 2022, replacing longtime neighborhood staple Evan’s Kitchen & Catering. After three years at the helm, Kau Kau owner Amanda Bridger sold the business to Fu in a deal that closed this June.
Lin, a Sacramento State alum, said that the location’s legacy played a role in Genki Kitchen’s name. “We were kind of sad to see Evan’s go,” he told What Now Sacramento. “So we wanted to bring the word ‘kitchen’ back to our restaurant name.”
As for the menu, Genki Kitchen will cater to the neighborhood’s mix of retirees and college students. Patrons can look forward to bento box-style comfort food, like rice bowls topped with teriyaki chicken, tempura, pork or chicken katsu, and more.
Lin also mentioned that there will be sashimi, and the team is still debating whether or not to include sushi. “We want dishes that are comforting and easy to pack for to-go orders,” he said, noting the importance of online ordering for busy students and weekend brunch crowds alike.
Kau Kau is expected to close next week, with Genki Kitchen aiming for a September 2025 debut following some kitchen renovations.
