The Gondo Family Legacy: From Tokyo Gardens to H-E-B

On Wednesday, June 5, the Houston Chronicle published an article highlighting the connection between Houston’s first Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, Tokyo Gardens, and H-E-B’s beloved sushi provider, Sushiya. As it happens, those ties also connect to JASH through our very own Board Member, Glen Gondo and his family.

In 1966, Glen’s parents Eugene and Hisako Gondo opened the doors of Tokyo Gardens as well as the hearts and minds of Houstonians. Known for live performances, a wooden hashi bridge and giant koi pond, Tokyo Gardens was Houston’s gateway to the food and culture of Japan.

Following the restaurant’s closing in 1998, the Gondos continued to provide top-quality sushi to their Houston clientele before striking a deal with H-E-B to sell their sushi in stores starting in 2002. For more than a decade, this relationship has grown to include nearly 300 H-E-B stores with delicious, top-quality sushi.

Currently under third-generation management, Robert Gondo now leads the company to fill the hearts, and stomachs, of Houston with the flavors of Japan.

Click the button below to read the full article written by Food Reporter Erica Cheng: