Gindaco, Japan’s most popular takoyaki brand, is launching another store in L.A. at 2129 Sawtelle Blvd, according to a recent liquor license application.
Naohisa Nakada is listed as the CEO for Gindaco USA, Inc., the primary owner of this location. Nakada also appears to be associated with several businesses throughout SoCal including Tenkatori USA (a “karaage” Japanese fried chicken restaurant chain), Ramen District (frozen ramen wholesaler), Japanese Products Produce (a marketing business), among others.
Takoyaki, which translates to grilled octopus, is a common type of street food found in Japan. The savory battered balls filled with octopus can be adorned with a variety of sauces and toppings like soy sauce, Japanese mayo, cheese, green onions, dried seaweed, bonito flakes, and takoyaki sauce.
Gindaco opened its first North American store in the South Bay area in 2018 and now has open outposts in Gardena, Torrance and Santa Monica. Worldwide, the takoyaki conglomerate has 500 stores throughout Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia.
Gindaco is a subsidiary of HotLand Co., Ltd., which has a roster of other Japanese brands under its umbrella.
