While many restaurants and food joints are sadly closing, some brands are constantly expanding throughout Metro Vancouver.
One brand making big moves is the popular Japanese Tonkatsu restaurant, Saku.
Just recently, one of our eagle-eyed community members (tip from @jacobshcho) spotted a “Coming Soon” sign for Saku. Guess where?
Right at the Central at Garden City Plaza, the same plaza that houses Walmart, Tsujiri and Banh Mi Tres Bon.
Who is Saku?
Saku opened in 2018 and quickly made a name for itself as the city’s first Japanese Tonkatsu (think mouthwatering fried pork cutlet) specialty restaurant.
The founders spent two years researching the art of Tonkatsu, traveling to Japan, Korea, New York, and Toronto to sample various offerings.
Their ultimate goal? To transport the authentic Japanese Tonkatsu experience right to Vancouver’s doorstep.
The perfect Tonkatsu at Saku begins with pork sourced from an Alberta farm that also exports to Japan, and their unique homemade panko, courtesy of local bakeries.
From the serving platter to the accompanying side dishes, every detail is painstakingly curated to deliver a genuine Tonkatsu experience.
What we know about Saku Richmond
Saku has been a brand that is quite tight-lipped. Usually, they reveal very little until they are near the opening of their restaurant.
But what we do know is that the Richmond Saku is aiming for a winter launch – making for their piping hot cheese tonkatsu perfect during the chilly days.
The interior, to be crafted by the talented Korean design studio, Minah Space. The studio was the mastermind behind the designs for the Robson and Coquitlam Saku. They have also worked on other local favourites like Mello and Tom Sushi.
Minah Space is also working on the upcoming new Tozen Sushi Bar by Tom Sushi.
The Richmond Saku will be the brand’s 4th branch in Metro Vancouver, joining the recently opened Burquitlam outpost that welcomed diners earlier this May.
And let’s not forget the Brentwood one that’s currently underway (although still with little signs of progress).
Overall, this is incredible news for all Richmond locals. Quality Japanese tonkatsu in the city has been noticeably scarce. But fear no more! Saku is about to fill that void.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Address: #1415 4660 Garden City Rd, Richmond, BC