#None #San Francisco #Onigiri #Onigilly #Koji Kanematsu

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen Closes 2025 With Record Sales Growth

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen, a fast-casual dining experience specializing in onigiri rice balls, is closing out 2025 on a high note. The brand has achieved record-breaking sales and significant traffic increases that emphasize its growing popularity among consumers. The company's evolution under the leadership of founder and CEO Koji Kanematsu highlights its transition from a small, founder-led operation into a larger franchise-ready model.

In 2025, Onigilly anticipates approximately $2 million in revenue from its corporate locations, marking a triumph driven by the increasing demand for convenient and healthier food options. According to Kanematsu, Onigilly's guests experienced a remarkable surge in traffic, with the San Francisco location witnessing an impressive 28% increase and the San Jose location enjoying an 18% hike in customer visitation. The opening of a new restaurant in Stonestown Galleria is particularly noteworthy, approaching annualized sales of $1.8 million.

"We can confidently report double-digit growth across our units," Kanematsu stated. This successful year for Onigilly can be attributed to its simple yet effective menu innovations. A highlight was the introduction of a limited-time spicy pumpkin onigiri, which quickly became a customer favorite during the fall season.

Adding to its strengths, Onigilly launched the SAMURAI CLUB, a loyalty program designed to reward returning customers. This initiative reflects the brand's pervading goal to create a powder keg of customer interaction, ensuring loyalty amid an ever-competitive fast-casual landscape. 2025 also saw an intensified marketing strategy that lays a solid foundation for the company's burgeoning franchising endeavors.

The year marked a crucial turning point for Onigilly as it took vital steps in franchise development. In September, the company filed its Franchise Disclosure Document, gaining approval to start franchising in California. Since then, Onigilly has managed to open its first franchise location and has cultivated an impressive pipeline for additional restaurants.

Currently, Onigilly hosts one active franchisee while nurturing another five who are either securing leases or close to finalizing their establishments. Unlike many emerging brands, Onigilly's corporate team takes an active role in supporting franchisees, assisting them with the real estate process to assure a smooth transition into operation. Kanematsu elaborates, "As the franchisor, we aid in identifying and negotiating location opportunities, easing the initial challenges for our franchisees."

Looking ahead, the company remains optimistic about 2026, with plans to open between 15 to 20 new franchise locations. Kanematsu emphasizes the need to provide solid backing and resources to their franchisees, empowering them to excel and succeed in their communities. While many franchisees express interest in developing multiple units, Onigilly's methodical approach steers them to master one restaurant at a time, ensuring that they fully comprehend and address the realistic challenges and expectations that accompany business ownership.

Kanematsu's vision encompasses more than just numbers; he is dedicated to the brand's fundamental mission: to introduce authentic and healthier Japanese fast casual cuisine to American diners, cementing onigiri as a staple for consumers. "One of my core motivations is quality, first and foremost," he stated. In doing so, Onigilly seeks to redefine fast food, bringing healthier options into the mainstream market while ensuring that every dining experience is extraordinary.

Onigilly's strategy during franchise recruitment collaborates with potential partners who share the brand's values and mission, distancing itself from merely seeking capital investments. Kanematsu notes, "We seek partners who genuinely believe in and want to promote our concept. They will ultimately be the best representatives for our brand in their communities."

With a strong track record in sales and a well-structured growth plan, Onigilly Japanese Kitchen has positioned itself as a formidable player in the healthy fast-casual dining landscape, confidently stepping into 2026 with an optimistic outlook for the future. To explore franchising opportunities or learn more about the Onigilly brand, interested individuals can visit their official website.

About Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen has transformed the popular onigiri rice ball from a simple grab-and-go snack into an accessible fast-casual dining option. Founded by Koji Kanematsu in 2008, the company has expanded significantly from its humble beginnings as a food cart in San Francisco, now poised for further growth. Utilizing fresh ingredients and maintaining efficient operational systems, Onigilly stands out in its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, merging Japanese culture with modern dining needs.

For more information regarding franchise opportunities, please visit onigilly.com.