Who, What, Where, and When:
An ABC application filed by Chef Yukinari Yamamoto of Totoyama Sushi & Ramen and Kinari Sushi & Noodle describes a restaurant named Ramen Totoyama coming to 888 S Figueroa Street. Chef Yamamoto didn’t respond to WNLA’s request for comment.
Background:
Chef Yamamoto entered the Japanese restaurant business in 1988 in Tochigi prefecture Japan and started like many aspiring chefs do, by cleaning and washing dishes. From there, he immersed himself in the craft and art form of sushi-making — knowing full well the required commitment — and quickly became the store’s manager.
Throughout the years, he used that same work ethic to climb the ranks, eventually taking charge of marketing strategies and sales for over 200 stores, according to the Kinari website.
As time passed, he expanded his knowledge of the restaurant business opening and managing restaurants for his company in locations like Hawaii, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
With over 30 years of experience under his belt, Chef Yukinari Yamamoto settled in Los Angeles with one goal in mind: to open restaurants that offer customers real authentic Japanese food at reasonable prices.
In June 2018, Chef Yamamoto debuted Totoyama Sushi & Ramen in the heart of Hollywood across from the W Hotel. Two years later, Kinari was born.
Be sure to stay tuned for updates regarding Ramen Totoyama’s menu, opening date, and other exciting details as they become available.
