A locally owned restaurant group is being acquired by a new parent company to expand throughout Sacramento and beyond.
Mikuni Restaurant Group currently owns nine locations of Mikuni throughout Northern California, mainly throughout the greater Sacramento area, but that’s soon to change. The restaurant group has been acquired by a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp., according to a news release. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions.
It is not anticipated that there will be any changes to leadership, management, operations, or local employment due to this acquisition. However, it will be a crucial step in accelerating Mikuni’s long-term growth strategy, including national expansion plans. Taro Arai, operator and Chief Dreaming Officer of Mikuni, hopes Pan Pacific’s investment will help the restaurant chain to open 50 restaurants by its 50th anniversary in 2037.
“Our acquisition of Mikuni Restaurant Group demonstrates our shared commitment to growing a brand that delivers an exceptional sushi experience, outstanding customer service, and meaningful community involvement,” said Naoki Yoshida, CEO of Pan Pacific, in a news release.
What Now Sacramento previously reported that Mikuni is set to open its 10th location in the El Dorado Hills Town Center. This new restaurant will occupy the space formerly held by Aji Japanese Bistro at 4361 Town Center Blvd., Suite 111. Arai told the Sacramento Business Journal that the El Dorado Hills location is expected to open in late March or early April. The restaurant group is also exploring additional locations, with plans to expand within California primarily. This expansion’s leadership team includes Haru Sakata, Arai, and Kevin Kim.
