Kevin Oto, left, and Russell Okubo pose in front of the restaurant’s Samurai mural.

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - When a new restaurant opens, it normally requires heavy marketing to get the word out, but the buzz on social media was swift when it was announced Fuji is coming back to 1235 Broadway. Owners Russell Okubo and Kevin Oto have been deluged with congratulations. In fact, within the hour of posting the announcement on Instagram, Oto received over 50 messages, and his DMs were still blowing up during the interview. On the other hand, Okubo has no social media, but his robust following has people spreading the word, too. Between uncle and nephew, they’ve covered several generations.

When you step in, it’s apparent the décor will reflect the blending of generations, as well. A new mural of a fierce samurai greets patrons while family artifacts grace the walls. And although Russell Okubo is establishing the new Fuji, his nephew Kevin Oto will be in charge.  Okubo’s legendary background as a Sacramento restauranteur make him the perfect foundation for this new venture. He owns Sumo Sushi (Elk Grove), Tokyo Fros (Arden), and Aji Japanese Bistro in El Dorado Hills.  Okubo was also corporate chef for the well-known Fats family. It’s an impressive resume, even for a European-trained chef.

An inviting banner outside Fuji Restaurant.

Although many restaurants lament about the struggle to find qualified employees, it won’t be an issue here. Staff tend to follow Okubo wherever he goes. Steven Dacong has worked with him for over twenty-five years. Dacong is an energetic, affable man excited about his new role as Fuji’s manager. He noted, “Even when staff leave, they always come back. Once you work for Russell, you don't want to work for anyone else.”

Kevin Dacong next to a vintage Little League trophy, wearing a shirt with the kanji characters for “Fuji.”

And once the community tries the food, they'll keep coming back.

The new menu will incorporate a few old Fuji favorites like sesame chicken, udon, and tempura. Sushi will be in the nigiri style, like Okubo’s mother and grandmother taught him: where flavor and substance come from quality ingredients.  “We don't do rolls with sauces; that’s more of a California thing,” said Okubo. “And plenty of local restaurants do that already.”  He also said, “Our focus isn’t to be a ‘sushi restaurant,’ but more about great Japanese food with sushi."

Along with locally-sourced produce and fish, Fuji will receive overnight deliveries from Japan's world-famous Tsukiji market. Whatever fish arrives that week will provide surprising, unique dishes. The site will offer happy hour with a robust bar stocked with local craft beers. Sake enthusiasts should appreciate the drinking flights and tasting events, too. And finally, the Sunday Asian brunch will be a weekend treat for guests.

Fuji is one of the only restaurants in the area with a professional events space attached. The December 18th opening was barely announced when eight parties booked the 100-seat banquet room. The upstairs space offers a large projector screen and high-tech surround sound with a disco ball. Since Fuji is joining Selland’s and The Kitchen in the new evolution of the Broadway corridor, the owners understand change is still coming. A security plan is in place to ensure guests can walk safely to and from their cars while visiting.

Kevin Oto, Steven Dacong, and the staff are eager to make Fuji a success. Russell Okubo is ready to let them take over as he looks towards retirement. Fuji is his final love letter to a city he has served for decades. Okubo’s vision is clear: “Our food isn’t going to be flashy or pretentious. It will be simple and clean with good flavors.  A welcoming family place to get good food, drink and relax.” The new Fuji is about to raise the bar on what that means.