Success Straight through Dragon’s Den
A young entrepreneur created his first restaurant in Vancouver’s West End and expanded it across the region and the country. Recently, we took a look at his vision and the inspired team behind Saku Japanese’s success. The flagship location at 1588 Robson Street revealed how something small can make it big.
Japan’s Best Deep-Fried Cuisine
David Lim, owner of Saku, told us the story. “Less than 10 years ago, I was a kid with a dream. I wanted to run a restaurant that people loved. And I wanted to be on Dragon’s Den. Now, we’re expanding nationwide, after opening five locations across Greater Vancouver. Our regular customers love our menu because the Saku team creates a memorable dining experience. Dragon’s Den was an amazing dream-come-true, and I’m ready to give back to the community that supported us from the beginning. It all started in the West End — our neighbours and friends who believed in Saku and helped to build the success it is today,” Lim said.
Saku’s menu revolves around Tonkatsu, or deep-fried port cutlets. A proprietary batter-coating makes each entree unique and beloved. Using fresh, specially-prepared breadcrumbs and batter to coat each meat, seafood, or vegetable main before frying, Saku perfects a crispy, fresh-textured eating experience that is scrumptious. As all of the world’s greatest chefs preach, balancing the healthy oils our bodies need with fresh ingredients leads directly to optimal taste, enhanced nutrition, and a pleasing meal.
Giving Back to the Community with Gratitude
Lim explained, “We have over 100 employees now, but our first location started with a staff of four. We serve lunch and dinner every day and, of course, we have delivery/take-out through Uber Eats. Online, we have an easy-to-register waitlist, so reservations aren’t necessary.
“Saku is sophisticated, modern, and comfortable. Our team creates an exceptional dining experience, from ambiance to food quality. We partner with local farms for our supply chain, and we focus on sustainable and ethical farming practices. Our ingredients are premium quality and farm fresh. Everything we do emanates from where we’re located — our neighbours are our best customers. We shop at their businesses for our needs. We’ve enjoyed success, in part, because the neighbours around us have become our close friends.”
Sophisticated Dining with a Comfortable Feel
Every meal at Saku comes with all you can eat rice, miso soup, and salad. Their in-house sesame dressing is a famous signature taste that is hitting grocery store shelves this year. If taming the beasts of Dragon’s Den isn’t in the cards for you tonight, Saku’s got your back with comfort foods from Japan that will tick off your daily bucket-list boxes, right here in the West End. Stop in for local inspiration, great food, and a team working together to make your meal one-of-a-kind — raise your beer or cocktail, toasting a local success story. Get ready to be impressed with deliciousness that extends from Robson Street across Canada.