GENEVA · SWITZERLAND · SINCE 2006

One family. Six concepts. One vision.

An independent restaurant group bringing together Japanese expertise, contemporary creativity and a passion for hospitality.

Kakinuma Restaurant Geneva
Since 2006
KAKINUMA GROUP

The Group
in key figures.

13 locations across all concepts, with 2 new projects in development.

01 13 Locations
02 +30'000 Meals served per month
03 80 Team members in 2026
04 60K Instagram followers
05 +25% Average annual revenue growth

Our strength is built on four pillars: a close-knit and passionate family, exceptional leaders for each concept, recognized expertise in Japanese cuisine, and a diversification ranging from traditional restaurants to Japanese-inspired burgers.

OUR HISTORY

Our History,
our evolution.

Since the Kakinuma family arrived in Geneva in 1994, the group has continued to evolve, driven by passion, family spirit and a constant pursuit of excellence.

History of the Kakinuma Group
1994

The Origins

A Japanese family settles in Geneva

  • Shinya works as head chef at the Japanese restaurant UCHINO
  • Yoss and Kohei grow up in Geneva before continuing their studies at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne
2006

The Dream Becomes Reality

Opening of KAKINUMA, the founding restaurant of the group

2015

The Beginning of Expansion

The group begins to expand with new concepts and a new generation

  • 2015 — Opening of IZAKAYA KAKINUMA in Eaux-Vives
  • 2015 — Opening of MIZUKI by KAKINUMA in Crans-Montana
  • 2016 — Yoss joins the family business
  • 2017 — Kohei joins the family business
2020

The Turning Point

The COVID crisis accelerates the transformation of the family business

  • Refocusing on KAKINUMA with the closure of IZAKAYA KAKINUMA and MIZUKI by KAKINUMA
  • Launch of TEMAKI BAR by KAKINUMA.
  • 2020 — Opening of the first Temaki Bar on Quai du Mont-Blanc
  • 2021 — Opening of a second location on the top floor of the Bongénie department store in Geneva
2022

A New Generation of Concepts

The group diversifies and develops new brands

  • 2022 — Temaki Bar Vésenaz.
  • 2022 — SANDO Spoon
  • 2023 — SAOKO Spoon
2024
2025

From Geneva to Switzerland

The group's concepts begin their nationwide expansion.

  • SANDO Basel
  • SANDO Zurich
  • SANDO Lucerne
  • SAOKO Basel
2026

Acceleration

The group strengthens its structure and enters a new phase of development

  • Entry of an external investor: Swiss Food Group (Ace & Co.)
  • Complete renovation of SANDO Zurich
  • SANDO Bern
  • NAMURA
  • Coming soon: SANDO Malley & Lulu’s Fried Chicken Geneva
OUR CONCEPTS

Our culinary universe

Kakinuma Restaurant
1 LOCATION · SINCE 2006

KAKINUMA

The group's original restaurant.

Founded in 2006 by chef Shinya Kakinuma and his wife Sho, KAKINUMA is the group's flagship restaurant and one of Geneva's established Japanese dining destinations.

Located in the heart of Eaux-Vives, the restaurant champions authentic and refined Japanese cuisine, defined by precision, the quality of its ingredients and respect for tradition. Sushi, sashimi, tempura, charcoal-grilled dishes and sukiyaki embody the restaurant's expertise.

Sushi Sashimi Tempura Charcoal Grill Sukiyaki
Namura Restaurant
1 LOCATION · ACQUIRED IN 2026

NAMURA

A Japanese escape in the heart of Geneva.

Behind a discreet façade in central Geneva, NAMURA invites guests to immerse themselves in the Japanese world. A garden, bamboo, a koi pond and traditional architecture create a distinctive and transporting setting.

In the kitchen, sushi, sashimi, tempura and charcoal-grilled robata come together in an authentic and generous approach, with particular attention paid to the quality of the ingredients.

Sushi Sashimi Tempura Robata Wagyu
Temaki Bar by Kakinuma
3 LOCATIONS & FESTIVALS

TEMAKI BAR

KAKINUMA expertise, reimagined.

TEMAKI BAR reinterprets the expertise of KAKINUMA in a modern and casual format, designed to be enjoyed on-site or to take away.

At the heart of the concept is temaki, a cone-shaped sushi prepared by hand and customizable, paired with premium nori sourced directly from the Ariake Sea in Japan.

Temaki Ariake Nori Dine In Take Away
Sando Japanese inspired burger joint
5 LOCATIONS · 2 IN DEVELOPMENT

SANDO

The classic burger, with a Japanese twist.

SANDO reinvents the classic burger through a strong Japanese influence. Smash burgers, shokupan-inspired buns, teriyaki and miso sauces, and other Japanese influences give it an identity that is familiar, generous and distinctive.

Combining comfort food with Japanese flavors, SANDO offers an indulgent, casual and contemporary approach, now available in several Swiss cities.

Smash Burger Shokupan Teriyaki Miso Japanese Inspired
Saoko Nikkei rice bowls
3 LOCATIONS & FESTIVALS

SAOKO

Nikkei street food, where Japan meets Peru.

SAOKO offers a modern and casual take on Nikkei street food, bringing together Japanese and Peruvian cultures.

Poke bowls and donburi are reimagined with a distinctly Nikkei identity: Japanese rice, marinated fish, homemade sauces, ceviche, aji amarillo, rocoto, choclo corn, chalaquita and ajitama egg.

Nikkei Poke Bowls Donburi Japan Peru
LULU’S FRIED CHICKEN
1 LOCATION (IN DEVELOPMENT)

LULU’S FRIED CHICKEN

Fried chicken without borders

Everyone loves fried chicken. At Lulu’s, that’s where it all begins.

We respect the different fried chicken cultures from around the world, then draw inspiration from our travels, our backgrounds and our favorite flavors to create something that feels uniquely ours.

Sometimes familiar. Sometimes surprising. Always delicious.

Much more than just another fried chicken brand.

ILS NOUS FONT CONFIANCE

Des relations construites
pour durer.

Depuis de nombreuses années, le Groupe Kakinuma accompagne entreprises, maisons horlogères, institutions financières et marques internationales.

THE FACES BEHIND THE GROUP

One team.
One shared vision.

Behind every concept are dedicated individuals who embody the standards, hospitality and ambition of the Kakinuma Group.

Shinya and Sho Kakinuma 01
Founders & Honorary Presidents

Shinya & Sho Kakinuma

Founders of Restaurant Kakinuma in 2006. Shinya in the kitchen, Sho in front-of-house and administration. Now retired from operations, they remain advisors to the group.

Yoss Kakinuma 02
President & Chief Executive Officer

Yoss Kakinuma

The eldest son and a graduate of the École Hôtelière de Lausanne. His experience includes noma in Copenhagen and Inua in Tokyo. Today, he leads the group's strategy and development.

Kohei Kakinuma 03
Managing Partner & Director of Operations

Kohei Kakinuma

Also a graduate of EHL, he oversees all of the group's operations and actively contributes to strategic discussions.

Kohei Kakinuma 04
Administrative Director

Nicolas Schmidt

He started at Temaki Bar as Regional Manager, before joining the head office thanks to his meticulous approach, strong numerical skills and organizational abilities. A key member of the group, he manages correspondence, invoices and cash flow, while contributing thoughtful strategic insights.

Since 2006

Building what comes next,
without losing what matters most.

“Today, we look to the future with confidence and ambition.”

— Kakinuma Family

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