The Growing Reform of Work Satisfaction in the Restaurant Industry: Kushi Tanaka's KT League Updates

Kushi Tanaka Holdings Inc. (based in Shinagawa, Tokyo), led by chairman and CEO Keiji Kuni, is embracing a transformative approach within the dining sector. Through the KT League initiative, the company aims to redefine job satisfaction not only for its employees but also for its patrons. Recently, three corporate sponsors renewed their agreements to support this unique program, further emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

The renewal of these sponsorship contracts, effective from February 2026, highlights Kushi Tanaka's commitment to building long-lasting relationships with both sponsors and the communities it serves. The three companies renewing their sponsorship are: C-POWER at the Asti Tajimi store, Hakaze at the Suidobashi store, and IHG (Toda Harenohi Osteopathic Clinic) at the Toda store. This support plays a critical role in enhancing the working environment, aiming to improve employee satisfaction and, ultimately, to uplift customer experiences in their establishments.

The KT League operates under a distinct philosophy. Unlike traditional ranking systems that are primarily sales-driven, the league seeks to foster an atmosphere where hospitality professionals thrive. The central mantra of the KT League is “To the top with a smile,” which is indicative of its mission to create the world's happiest and most engaging dining spaces. This initiative not only prioritizes sales figures but also revolves around customer satisfaction and employee morale.

Sponsor Program Overview

Kushi Tanaka aims to be a pillar of its community, focusing on local engagement and creating beloved venues. Through the KT League, they invite organizations and companies that resonate with their vision to become sponsors, contributing actively to regional revitalization efforts. The contributions received from sponsors will be allocated directly to enhancing store operations and improving the work conditions for employees, thereby fostering an uplifting work atmosphere that leads to greater job satisfaction and smiles across the board.

A typical sponsorship agreement can range from six months to a year, during which participating companies can enjoy various benefits, such as an exclusive 11% discount for their employees, recognition on KT League’s official social media platforms, and the display of their logos on sponsor posters within restaurants. These offerings not only enhance corporate relationships but also create a sense of community and mutual support among local businesses.

The Essence of the KT League

The KT League divides Kushi Tanaka’s restaurants into three tiers, where each restaurant competes for points based on two key performance indicators: customer satisfaction score (gathered through surveys and mystery shopping) and bonus score (derived from internal contests). This ranking system emphasizes the importance of customer advocacy rather than solely focusing on sales, thus highlighting establishments driven by genuine service and hospitality.

Restaurants are regularly updated in the league standings every week, ensuring transparency and engagement with both employees and patrons. The KT League's official website offers insights into how different locations are performing, interviews with top-performing store managers, and detailed profiles of sponsoring businesses. This platform empowers customers to identify restaurants they wish to support, creating an engaged community around Kushi Tanaka's brand.

About Kushi Tanaka Holdings Inc.

Founded on March 20, 2002, Kushi Tanaka Holdings stands at the forefront of the dining industry with a mission to deliver happiness through every meal. With a capital of 300 million yen and headquartered at 1-7-6 Towa Higashi Gotanda Building, Shinagawa, Tokyo, the company employs innovative strategies in its restaurant operations and franchise development.

More information about the KT League, the renewed sponsorships, or engagement with Kushi Tanaka can be found on their official website here. With its commitment to creating happy and thriving restaurants, Kushi Tanaka exemplifies how modern dining establishments can innovate while deeply rooting themselves in community support and employee satisfaction.