PinKU in Minneapolis is Closing After New Year’s Eve Blowout
“PinKU Japanese Street Food has announced that it’s closing its doors with one last party on New Year’s Eve. The creative, casual restaurant opened in northeast Minneapolis in 2016 and has had an impressive run. At one point it expanded to co-op grab-and-go dishes and an outlet at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which closed during the pandemic. Xiaoteng (X) Huang opened the restaurant with the help of chef John Sugimura, who created a menu with crispy gyoza and salmon cakes that quickly drew fans. More recently, chef Tomoyo Rudin worked with Huang to update the menu. PinKU’s employees have been invited to work inside the restaurant replacing it, Pa Tea & Poke, which will open Jan. 1. The epic last meal on Dec. 31 will be filled with classics from the menu, served all-you-can-eat for $99.” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Joy Summers at startribune.com (December 20, 2021)
Taiwanese bubble tea and poke bowl shop replacing Japanese restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis
“A Japanese restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis is closing at the end of the month and will immediately be replaced by a new woman-owned Taiwanese bubble tea and poke bowl concept. After a more than five-year run, PinKU Japanese Street Food at 20 University Ave. NE. will shutter Dec. 31, and the following day, Jan. 1, Pa Tea & Poke will launch in the space. In 2016, co-founders Xiaoteng “X” Huang and chef John Sugimura opened PinKU with the goal of bringing high-quality, authentic and affordable Japanese street food to the neighborhood…For its last hurrah, PinKU is hosting a New Year’s Eve “farewell celebration” dinner, offering seven all-you-can-eat courses and an open bar for $99 per person.” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Read the full article by Brianna Kelly at bizjournals.com (December 17, 2021)
PinKU’s New Year’s Eve Celebration will be Its Swan Song
“After more than five years of operation, the Northeast Minneapolis Japanese street food restaurant PinKU will be shutting its doors at 20 University Avenue. The restaurant is calling it quits after a New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31 that features a 7-course all-you-can-eat menu with open bar for $99. Writing about PinKU in 2016, we noted: The very short menu at PinKU is perfect. It’s etched into wooden boards hung from pegs near the door, and it’s mostly driven by tuna, salmon, or shrimp, rearranged with various understated accompaniments. Undersung but crucial support comes from the rice, which we found to be invariably well seasoned and perfectly cooked. This isn’t the case at many (if not most) run-of-the-mill sushi places, and the places that take care with their rice (Obento-Ya and Kyatchi come to mind) really stand out.” – Heavytable
Read the full article by James Norton at heavytable.com (December 17, 2021)
Wine and Dine at These LGBTQ-owned Restaurants
“Sushi restaurants are easy to come by these days, but authentic Japanese street food? Now that’s a catch. Chef and owner John Sugimura sources fresh seafood daily and gives it the starring role in gorgeously plated—and flavored—feasts in Northeast Minneapolis. Must try: Crispy shrimp with spicy mayo, green onions, sesame seeds and cabbage.” – Explore Minnesota
Read the full article by Jess Hoffert at exploreminnesota.com (June 1, 2021)
Last-minute Easter and Passover Meals to Go From 4 Twin Cities Restaurants
“The three-course meal includes a salmon-tuna-crab specialty roll, the kitchen’s signature crispy shrimp on rice and a beef rice bowl ($30). Available April 2, 3, and 4.” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Rick Nelson at startribune.com (March 26, 2021)
Relish: Salmon on Crispy Rice by John Sugimura
“For most of his career, John Sugimura worked in public service roles with adults and children with disabilities, as well as those on the autism spectrum. It was fulfilling work, but Sugimura felt a spark to pursue his own passion…Initially, Sugimura worked as a private chef, sharing his cuisine with smaller audiences. But in 2016, he and X Huang opened PinKU Japanese Street Food in Minneapolis. Sugimura says, ‘The world was ready for my story. And every time [people] come into my restaurant, it’s like, Hi, we’re here to support you. And that’s a really powerful thing.'” – Twin Cities PBS
Watch the full story by Amy Melin at tptoriginals.org (February 25, 2021)
TPT’s “Relish” Becomes a Cooking Show for the COVID Era
“For another episode, PinKU chef John Sugimura brought in a platter that had belonged to his grandmother. A Japanese restaurant owner, she had lost the platter when she was sent to a U.S. internment camp during World War II. The platter survived the war and she got it back. It made its way to the Japanese American National Museum, an official Smithsonian affiliate, and Sugimura borrowed it for the shoot.” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Sharyn Jackson at startribune.com (February 16, 2021)
Chefs’ Most Memorable Valentine’s Day Meals, From The Romantic To The Absurd
“For a holiday that’s supposed to be all about love, Valentine’s Day often ends up being mostly about pressure. Not only do couples try to live up to an unrealistic idea of eternal romance, but chefs can stress on a night when everyone is nervous and the restaurant is jammed. For John Sugimura, chef and owner of Minneapolis-based PinKU Japanese Street Food restaurant, his first big V-Day came just months after opening his cozy urban eatery. The reservation list for the small space was soon filled with 32 couples. He decided it was time to get creative.” – Huff Post
Read the full article by Julie Kendrick at huffpost.com (February 16, 2021)
CAMPU Episode 6: Food
“Other traditions have been fragmented by the same dynamics that broke apart families in the mess halls during the war, the fuzziness of memory over time, and the loss of loved ones. At the beginning of this episode, we spoke with chef John Sugimura, who told us why he puts purple cabbage under his dishes at his restaurant in Minneapolis, PinKU.” – Densho Blog
Listen to the full interview at densho.org (February 3, 2021)
6 Twin Cities Food Industry Leaders Sum Up the Year That Was 2020
“Early on in the pandemic, John Sugimura, chef/co-owner of PinKU Japanese Street Food, discovered that his four-year-old restaurant was ‘set up for a pandemic, even though I didn’t know a pandemic was coming,’ he said. His secret? The 900-square foot operation was already a lean, mean dining machine. ‘We don’t have a 130-seat dining room and 40 people on staff, and that has allowed us to be fluid. We can make adjustments on the fly. We didn’t have to reinvent ourselves, and go through all the horrible steps that others had to go through. We were never knocked down and had to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off. We just marched on. We haven’t grown, but we’re not destitute, either. We’ve kept our head above water. It’s been a tight ship, and now we’re pros at running a tight ship. I’ve never felt more on top of my game.’” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Rick Nelson and Sharyn Jackson at startribune.com (December 16, 2020)
With a Focus on Adaptation, 14 Accelerator Teams Pitch Their Ideas
“I am an entrepreneur because I saw a problem, said Yale School of Management student Xiaoteng Huang as he opened his portion of Tsai CITY’s Accelerator Pitch Off last week. He was introducing his venture, PinKU Japanese Street Food, but that sentence could have described many of his fellow cohort members. This fall’s Accelerator cohort brought together 14 student teams that collectively represented seven schools across Yale, from the School of Drama to the School of Medicine.” – Yale University
Read the full article at yale.edu (November 23, 2020)
5 Best Things Our Food Writers Ate in the Twin Cities This Week
“The week’s political drama no doubt ratcheted up the nation’s collective hunger for comfort foods. My anxiety took refuge in what chef/owner John Sugimura describes as his ‘go-to family meal,’ a serving of his pork-filled dumplings paired with his exceptional way with shrimp…Oh, that shrimp. It’s a delectable balancing act that’s all light crispiness on the outside and juicy springiness on the inside, bolstered by the tease of spiced-up mayonnaise. No wonder it’s the menu’s No. 1 seller. But neck-and-neck in the sales race, with good reason, are those dazzling gyoza. A testament to this kitchen’s prowess, they’re filled with a blend of ground pork and shredded cabbage boosted by jolts of ginger, garlic chives and sesame oil. Once they’ve been steamed, the thin, pleated wrappers are caramelized in a hot pan, transforming them into an irresistible bite-size snack. I nearly inhaled them, and by the second or third (they sold five to a serving) I could feel my jittery nerves taking the equivalent of a deep cleansing breath.” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Sharyn Jackson and Rick Nelson at startribune.com (November 6, 2020)
“The Whole F***ing Thing is Pink”: Chef John Sugimura on His Culinary Inspiration
“From uncovering family secrets, to meetings with sushi masters, Chef John Sugimura takes us on a journey to find his culinary calling and reconnect with his Japanese American heritage.” – Cook Rassa
Read the full article by Johnny Garmeson at cookrassa.com (October 30, 2020)
The 19 Restaurants in Northeast Minneapolis: Our Local Awards
“Most unique Asian food: PinKU Japanese Street Food. Somehow, PinKU feels like both a sushi bar and a food truck, all at once. You’ll find the usual sushi rolls as well as some crazy fish-topped rice plates. Not to mention, a rotating menu of specials so unique that you won’t find them anywhere else. PS – Rumor is, these guys don’t even own a freezer. Their food is that fresh!” – Discover The Cities
Read the full article by Sean P at discoverthecities.com (October 27, 2020)
Mill City Times Interview Xiaoteng “X” Huang of PinKU Japanese Street Food
“The only way that we will open dine-in is if all of our employees are ok with it, are comfortable with it. The most important thing for me is that we can’t always prioritize profit over people.” – Mill City Times
Watch the full interview by Brianna Rose on the October episode of “Milling About” on Mill City Times (October 22, 2020)
Meet Tsai CITY (Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale) 2020 Launch Pad and Accelerator Cohorts
“Tsai CITY has welcomed 36 student teams — collectively representing a diverse array of for-profit ventures, nonprofits, and creative initiatives — to its fall 2020 Launch Pad and Accelerator cohorts. 15 of these teams (including PinKU Japanese Street Food) will spend the semester in Tsai CITY’s Accelerator, which is designed for teams with demonstrated traction and provides support through a $2000 grant, workshops, tailored mentoring, and more.” – Yale University
Read the full article at yale.edu (October 12, 2020)
With Business Down More Than a Third, Restaurants Dreading Winter Chill
“Takeout used to make up about 30% of orders before the pandemic at PinKU Japanese Street Food. Now it’s 90%, but chef and owner John Sugimura said he’s accepted the change. ‘We can’t be smug and turn our backs on what customers want,’ he said. ‘We’ve never needed our customers more.’… Japanese specialties such as poke, tuna rolls and seared salmon rice travel well, he said. Sugimura handles deliveries himself to save the 23 to 30% fee that delivery services such as Door Dash and Bite Squad charge. He found the face-to-face interaction boosted his spirit as well. ‘When I show up on people’s doorstep, that’s intimate,’ Sugimura said. ‘You develop a lot of support and cheerleaders. You know people are rooting for you.’ As a result of the changes, Sugimura’s revenue is 2% higher this year while neighboring places such as Keegan’s Irish Pub, JL Beers and a Red’s Savoy Pizza branch have closed.” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by John Ewoldt at startribune.com (October 10, 2020)
The 7 Best Sushi Restaurants in Minneapolis & St. Paul
“Okay, PinKU in Northeast Minneapolis might not be a traditional sushi place per say, but this spot is so delicious we had to include it. And hey, sushi is on the menu! And the rumor is, it’s so fresh that these guys don’t even own a freezer! Outside of that solid sushi, you’ll also find some awesome street-food inspired rice plates and an ever-rotating menu of fantastic specials.” – Discover The Cities
Read the full article by Sean P at discoverthecities.com (September 17, 2020)
Where to Order Curbside Pick Up and Deliveries in Northeast Minneapolis
“Northeast is a sprawling neighborhood packed with restaurants from fine dining classics like the 1940s steakhouse Jax Cafe to newly opened restaurants like the Mexican take out only spot Nixta. Use this map to find a place by address for take out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with everything from kebabs, to Chicago-style dipped beef, to satay, there’s something for every mood still available for curbside take out… PinKU Japanese Street food available curbside Monday through Saturday.” – Eater Twin Cities
Read the full article by Joy Summers at twincities.eater.com (August 11, 2020)
Where to Order Sushi Takeout Around the Twin Cities
“The Twin Cities has a sushi scene that focuses on quality and sustainability above anything else, which is impressive considering we are completely landlocked and miles from any ocean. Indulge in a little grab-and-go of maki, nigiri, or even rolls stuffed with a little Austin-Minnesota sourced Spam, the options around town are glorious. PinKU Japanese Street Food – This lively spot in Northeast specializes in affordable Japanese street fare and serves a fantastic, fresh selection of sushi in addition to other dishes like yakitori, gyoza, and more.” – Eater Twin Cities
Read the full article at twincities.eater.com (July 23, 2020)
Making His Grandmother Proud
“The owner of PinKU Japanese Street Food is cooking up something good in Northeast Minneapolis. You can say Chef John Sugimura has an obsession. The Minnesota-born, third-generation Japanese American is fixated with Japan. The food, culture, temples, technology, architecture—you name it… If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed at PinKU, it’s the taste and quality of the food. I had the pleasure of eating at PinKU multiple times before my interview with Sugimura, and I knew the Gyoza, or Japanese pan-fried pork dumplings, are a must… PinKU holds the highest rating on Yelp for any Japanese restaurant in the Twin Cities, and according to Sugimura, it has the highest Yelp rating for any Japanese restaurant in the United States. One reviewer says, ‘PinKU offers such high quality Japanese Street Food that is both casual yet refined…and is so good it kinda hurts. They value ingredient quality over quantity, and the food and variety is so worth it’… Don’t expect the end of PinKU, or the delicious creations from Chef John Sugimura, anytime soon. PinKU is small and lean and fit to survive.” – Lavender Magazine
Read the full article by Mike Marcotte at lavendermagazine.com (July 2, 2020)
The 5: Wendy Maybury’s Top Five Things You Need to Eat in Minneapolis Under $10
“I was made in Japan and as my parents tell me, I’ve loved Japanese food since birth. Pinku Japanese Street cuisine is one of my all-time favorites it’s also across the street from my favorite camera shop (Hey there West Photo!) so I like to kill two birds with one stone. The crispy shrimp rice is amazing and just $7. The shrimp has a little kick – and sits on a delightful little sushi rice cake. They have many other mouthwatering little bites. You can get a Sapporo and eat just enough to feel full but not enough that you feel stuffed– unless you do what I do and buy four little bites… it gives me an excuse to try everything so I usually bring friends. The staff here is top-notch, friendly, and eager to explain any ingredients you don’t recognize.” – theinterrobang.com
Read the full article by Interrobang Staff at theinterrobang.com (June 26, 2020)
Waiting Tables: 3 Twin Cities Restaurants Prepare For Return Of Dine-In Service
“For the first time in months, Minnesotans can enjoy a meal inside a restaurant again as owners reopened at 50% capacity this week. As part of WCCO’s series ‘Waiting Tables,’ Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield checks in for the third time with three restaurants that are now ready to serve… In northeast Minneapolis, PinKU owner Xiaoteng Huang says he never thought he’d be where he is today. ‘We just had to be innovative to act quickly, to adapt to the recent changes,’ Huang said. Like restructuring their dining room, making it a low-touch environment and coming up with an impromptu patio… If you want to dine in at PinKU, you have to wear a mask and get your temperature taken. Huang says even though he never closed, he took a hit to his bottom line. But his first day of in-house dining was hopeful. ‘Our sales were on par with our sales prior to the pandemic,’ Huang said. Each of the restaurants say they plan to keep fighting, as they are finally ready to serve.” – WCCO TV/CBS Minnesota
Read the full article by Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield at minnesota.cbslocal.com (June 11, 2020)
Food Under Fire
“I am thrilled to have Xiaoteng “X” Huang with me today. He’s the managing partner of PinKU, a fast-casual Japanese street food restaurant in northeast Minneapolis… The COVID-19 crisis is proving to be the most challenging event in X’s professional life, but he is managing to turn it into an opportunity for growth. So how’s PinkU doing during this time? What is X doing differently to adapt? Listen in and get the full story!” – Matt Gundrum
Listen to the full podcast of Food Under Fire with Matt Gundrum on Spotify and Apple Podcasts (May 15, 2020)
Coronavirus Impact: “It’s Not Just Like We Can Give Up,” Says Local Restaurant Owner Fighting To Survive
“WCCO is checking back in with three Twin Cities restaurants, fighting to survive, in our series ‘Waiting Tables.’ A lot can change in two weeks – for better or for worse…The restaurant (PinKU), which had a small dining room, took less of a hit because of they could facilitate takeout easily, but they are still operating at 60% of typical business. The first two weeks of the shutdown, everyone wanted to support our business so we got a lot of people the last week we have seen our business slow down a little bit. But he’s still hiring and paying $15 an hour and hoping that soon he’ll be even busier. The dining room is reconfigured so that tables will be six feet apart. Huang says he’ll open his dining room the minute he can. Until then, he said, I just think we have to be calm, optimistic.” – WCCO TV/CBS Minnesota
Read the full article by Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield at minnesota.cbslocal.com (May 6, 2020)
Here are Minneapolis’s Top 3 Japanese Spots
“Looking to satisfy your appetite for Japanese fare? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Japanese spots around Minneapolis, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to meet your needs… First on the list is PinKU Japanese Street Food. Located at 20 University Ave. NE in East Bank-Nicollet Island, the sushi bar and Japanese spot, which offers seafood and more, is the highest-rated Japanese restaurant in Minneapolis, boasting 4.5 stars out of 234 reviews on Yelp.” – Hoodline
Read the full article at hoodline.com (April 22, 2020)
Waiting Tables: The Pivot to Takeout
“Over at PinKU Japanese Street Food, sales are down, but not too far down… PinKU is operating at 60% of their regular business, some days are 100%. They are at full staff to hiring four to five more… As restaurant owners fight to stay afloat, they all agree that those they have served are now serving them. Whether it’s ordering more than they normally do, or giving us extra tips to give to the employees, people have come out and support us, and that is something that we had never imagined, and that has made our lives easier.” – WCCO TV/CBS Minnesota
Read the full article by Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield at minnesota.cbslocal.com (April 16, 2020)
The Mill City Times Interview: PinKU Japanese Street Food
“The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t diminish our desire to eat good food. Minneapolis is blessed with hundreds of restaurants still cooking and delivering delicious options for us. We talked with PinKU Japanese Street Food about their unique history and how to order their offerings in this time of restaurant shutdowns.” – Mill City Times
Read the full article by Becky Fillinger at millcitytimes.com (April 7, 2020)
Uncovering Amazake: Japan’s Ancient Fermented “Super Drink”
“John Sugimura (杉村), corporate executive chef and concept-brand director at PinKU Japanese Street Food in Minneapolis, has turned the drink into a signature part of his offerings, using it both as a creamy base and a way to add unexpected bursts of texture.” – BBC
Read the full article by Laura Studarus at bbc.com (March 18, 2020)
PinKU Japanese on Twin Cities Live
“John Sugimura is the co-owner of PinKU Japanese Street Food. He says there is a universal enthusiasm for Gyozas, which are dumplings. His restaurant– PinKU Japanese Street Food makes homemade-daily-by hand-never frozen Gyozas and he stopped by to show us how to make them.” – ABC/KSTP Twin Cities Live
Watch the video at twincitieslive.com (March 12, 2020)
Airport Eats with Stephanie Hansen on the Jason Show on Fox 9
“Enjoy authentic Japanese street food from celebrated local chef, John Sugimura served in a chic tea house with a gorgeous two-story view onto the airfield.” – The Jason Show (March 3, 2020)
11 Essential Twin Cities Sushi Restaurants
“This lively little spot specializes in affordable Japanese street fare and serves a fantastic, fresh selection of sushi in addition to other dishes like yakitori, gyoza, and more.” – Eater Twin Cities
Read the full article at twincities.eater.com (January 14, 2020)
Foodie Fridays with Matt Gundrum on KBEM Jazz88
“As the food & drink correspondent for KBEM Jazz88, I report on happenings and developments throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul dining scene. We had the pleasure of welcoming X to the studio today. He’s the managing partner over at PinKU Japanese Steet Food over in Northeast Minneapolis. We talked about how a 4.0 at Cornell and several jobs at big banks led to a dissatisfaction with his path, which took a 180 degree turn into the restaurant industry. We also discussed emigrating from China at 10, plans for expanding the business, and why he chose Japanese food as the culinary canvas for his restaurant.” – Matt Gundrum
Listen to the full conversation with Matt Gundrum at soundcloud.com (January 10, 2020)
9 Things That Defined How We Ate and Drank in the Twin Cities in 2019
“MSP Airport became a dining destination in its own right. With loads of local options, go early before your flight and give yourself time for a meal. Notable among the new spots that opened in 2019: Full-service restaurant Cook & the Ox has a menu by Jack Riebel of the Lexington; retro eatery and celebrity magnet Hi-Lo Diner opened on Concourse F; and northeast Minneapolis’ PinKU, a Japanese street food spot, is anchoring a dazzling new airport food court.” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Sharyn Jackson and Rick Nelson at startribune.com (December 27, 2019)
Celebrate New Year’s Eve (and Survive New Year’s Day) with These Local Restaurants
“PinKU Japanese Street Food will offer an Izakaya style five-course dinner menu for $45 on New Year’s Eve. It includes popular traditional Japanese pub dishes such as tuna/salmon/shrimp temari sushi, grilled chicken yakitori, beef tataki with filet mignon, crispy rice and pickled vegetables, pork tonkatsu, a dorayaki red bean pancake with matcha and vanilla ice cream, and a selection of Japanese craft cocktails.” – City Pages
Read the full article by Sarah Brumble at citypages.com (December 27, 2019)
The Best Ramen Restaurants in America
“Chef John Sugimura dedicates his Minneapolis-based, Japanese street food restaurant, PinKU, to his grandmother Tsui, the family matriarch who immigrated to California in the 1920s, survived the internment at Tule Lake with her willpower, and eventually moved the family to Minnesota. PinKU is part celebration, part reconnection, all brought together with Chef Sugimura’s own takes on staples like gyoza, hand rolls and inari.” – Thrillist
Read the full article by thrillist.com (December 20, 2019)
at11 Essentials Bowls of Ramen in the Twin Cities
“PinKU is the Japanese street food restaurant on University Avenue in Northeast. It’s an excellent spot for the brothless ramen, mazamen. The focus is on full flavor and long tendrils of noodles.” – Eater Twin Cities
Read the full article by twincities.eater.com (December 1, 2019)
atWhere to Eat at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
“Nobody wants to hang out at the airport, but long lines, crowded flights, and the possibility of weather delays are always made better with a cocktail and a snack. In addition to some well-loved chains, there are a plenty of restaurants that local chefs have added some Twin Cities flavor to give travelers a taste of Minneapolis and St. Paul…PinKU, a popular Minneapolis spot for crispy dumplings and Japanese street food just opened at the airport. (Terminal 1, Mall Food Court)” – Eater Twin Cities
Read the full article by twincities.eater.com (November 25, 2019)
atTwin Cities Restaurants Are Bringing Local Flavors to MSP Airport
“For local restaurateurs, being invited to set up shop at MSP is a transformative chance to claim their own piece of $235 million in annual concession sales. And it’s a way to give travelers from far and wide a taste of their brand. ‘I’m very encouraged and I believe the brand is ready to go bigger,” said John Sugimura, chef and co-owner of PinKU. ‘I believe that’s why MSP airport is as fancy as it is. How sparkly and pretty and shiny can we make it so we can be super-proud of our local hometown brand?’ ” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Sharyn Jackson at startribune.com (October 19, 2019)
4 Must-Try Eateries in Northeast Minneapolis’s East Bank-Nicollet Island Neighborhood
“PinKU Japanese Street Food, a sushi bar and Japanese spot that offers seafood and more, is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 215 Yelp reviews. Head over to 20 University Ave. NE to see for yourself. The spot uses culturally genuine recipes and the freshest ingredients.” – WCCO/CBS Minnesota
Read the full article at minnesota.cbslocal.com (October 19, 2019)
5 Best Things Our Food Critic Ate in the Twin Cities This Week
“I’m fairly certain I could live, and live very well, on chef John Sugimura’s cooking. Especially his potstickers ($5.50 for five), an expert mix of ground pork and cabbage that’s seasoned with plenty of ginger and finished with a pop of garlic chives. The wrappers are thin and delicate, and after they’re steamed they’re introduced to a hot pan, which leaves them nicely crisped and caramelized. They’re just the right proportions, slightly too big to be labeled “bite-sized,” and I’ve never encountered better in the Twin Cities. Just as delicious is the kitchen’s bestseller: plump, juicy fried shrimp ($7), brushed with a spiced-up mayonnaise and served with rice. The results could be ponderous and overdone, but they’re anything but. Good (correction: great) news for travelers: Sugimura and business partner Xiaoteng Huang are opening an outlet at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in a few weeks.” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Rick Nelson at startribune.com (October 4, 2019)
Dining at MSP Takes-off
“When asked if he was at all nervous about opening his first unit in an airport, John Sugimura of PinKU Japanese Street Food, replied, ‘I’m 100 percent confident.’ It’s been three years since his RFP was accepted and it’s been a thoughtful process…He also feels good about bringing Japanese food to the airport…He saves on delivery costs because what food he brings in every morning, all goes out the door. “I shop daily,’ he says. ‘I’m the only licensed restaurant (in Minnesota) with no freezer or walk-in refrigerator.’ As the center of the food hall, PinKU is also big on aesthetics, including a wrap of 16 kimono patterns and cherry blossoms. ‘My own plan has been to do more airports,’ he says. And with his first time out the gate, he has a 10-year lease with an option to renew.” – Foodservice News
Read the full article by Nancy Weingartner Monroe at foodservicenews.net (October, 2019)
The 4 Best Spots to Score Sushi in Minneapolis
“Craving sushi? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top sushi outlets in Minneapolis, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill. Topping the list is PinKU Japanese Street Food. Located at 20 University Ave. NE in East Bank-Nicollet Island, the sushi bar and Japanese spot, which offers seafood and more, is the highest-rated sushi spot in Minneapolis, boasting 4.5 stars out of 213 reviews on Yelp.” – Yelp Minneapolis
Read the full article at hoodline.com (September 25, 2019)
The Jason Show on Fox 9
“Chef John Sugimura will compete on Guy’s Grocery Games on the Food Network. He joined us to talk about the show and give us a sneak peek at some of his food.” – Jason Matheson (August 5, 2019)
13 Essential Eats in Northeast Minneapolis
“Housed in an industrial, art-lined space, PinKU offers a wide selection of shareable small plates, featuring daily selections on a menu board hung at the front of the restaurant. Get a few orders of the wagyu beef on crispy rice, seared salmon nigiri, and an okonomiyaki to share.” – Eater Twin Cities
Read the full article by twincities.eater.com (August 5, 2019)
atWCCO TV/CBS Minnesota Features PinKU Japanese in Article on Minneapolis Minimum Wage Increase
“It’s lunchtime at PinKU Japanese Restaurant. Diners scan the menu, order, pay and then wait for food at their tables. John Sugimura is a partner at PinKU…He says ‘We aren’t going change a thing. We are not going to cut any corners. Just give us a little bit more wiggle room on time deliver a great meal, and people will understand that.’“ – WCCO TV/CBS Minnesota
Read the full article by Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield at minnesota.cbslocal.com (July 1, 2019)
Introducing Grab & Go PinKU
“Starting this Summer, we’re excited to partner with PinKU to offer fresh sushi and Japanese street food at the co-op every day…We worked closely with the co-op’s culinary team to build a carefully curated menu for co-op shoppers. Each menu item will be perfectly prepared with the finest fish and ethnic ingredients in the traditional Japanese way, just like it is in our restaurant. We only know how to prepare food in one way…the correct way… every time.” – Cultivate Newsletter
Read the full article in the summer 2019 edition of the Twin Cities Community Co-op Newsletter (July 2019)
The Best Global Cuisine in the Twin Cities
“John Sugimura has an extraordinary knack for knowing what Minnesotans want out of sushi. And by that, we are not talking about mayonnaise-y monster rolls (though those do have their place and time). Instead, he knows we love our tuna, we love our salmon and shrimp, and we love texture and relative familiarity. That’s why his sliver of a counter-service space, PinKU, strikes a smart balance between low and high brow, accessibility and elegance. The trim menu, of fewer than a dozen choices, means easy ordering. Spicy tuna lovers go for the spicy tuna crispy rice, and salmon lovers should check out the quick-sear technique, a signature. Get in and out for lunch in less than 30 minutes and under $15. This can’t-miss formula has Sugimura on the verge of an airport empire, in different U.S. cities—the first at MSP International, opening this summer.” – Minnesota Monthly
Read the full article by Mecca Bos at minnesotamonthly.com (June 28, 2019)
A Restaurant Revolution: How the Twin Cities Elevated the Food Scene to 3-star Quality
“An encouraging change of careers. Plan B has worked out just fine for these restaurant folks…One encouraging source is the number of people who have chosen to leave a wide variety of professional pursuits in favor of following new careers in restaurants. The breadth and depth of their experience have proved to have a powerful effect on our dining scene. Consider John Sugimura, who left a life in government service to open PinKU Japanese Street Food.” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Rick Nelson at startribune.com (June 20, 2019)
2019 Business of Pride: John Sugimura, PinKU Restaurant Group
“As a chef, John Sugimura draws on a long tradition of Japanese cuisine, but he also relies heavily on the influence of his obaasan, a grandmother who taught him that food brings people together, and that it should be served with respect, harmony and authenticity. That’s shown in every dish presented by Sugimura and his PinKU Restaurant Group partner Xiaoteng Huang, and it also resonates in his community involvement, including support for LGBTQ rights.” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Read the full article by Elizabeth Millard at bizjournals.com (June 13, 2019)
Where to Eat in the Twin Cities, And Taste the World
“If I were ever in a desert-island situation, subsisting on canned mackerel and Tang, the dish I’d dream most about eating is the crunchy, browned rectangle of rice topped with spicy tuna, serrano pepper slices, and daikon at PinKU Japanese Street Food. Each item from the mix-and-match menu at chef John Sugimura’s fast-casual eatery is served on a cafeteria tray, and though I’d happily fill it with nothing but tuna, I always make room for the gyoza and a special like onigiri or crackly karaage fried chicken.” – Bon Appétit Magazine
Read the full article by Ashlea Halpern at bonappetit.com (June, 4 2019)
PinKU Japanese on Twin Cities Live
“If you find yourself in Northeast Minneapolis or flying out of Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport, be sure to visit PinKU Japanese Street Food. Chef John Sugimura shows us how to make one of their top sellers at home.” – ABC/KSTP Twin Cities Live
Watch the video at twincitieslive.com (April 29, 2019)
Big Changes in MSP Airport Food Scene
Read the full article by Sharyn Jackson at startribune.com (April 17, 2019)
35 Things to Do in Minneapolis
“Daily fresh fish and produce prepared in an open kitchen in the spirit of Chef John Sagimura’s immigrant obaasan (grandmother) with the values of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility promote the true spirit of Japanese cuisine and traditional sushi. And the small, curated menu is prepared with the certified “Silver Standards” of Japanese cooking that uphold the values of traditional Japanese cuisine, known as washoku, right in Northeast Minneapolis.” – Ticketmaster Blog
Read the full article by Kristen Montag at ticketmaster.com (April 3, 2019)
2019 40 Under 40: Xiaoteng Huang, PinKU Restaurant Group
“Xiaoteng ‘X’ Huang may have been born in China, but his dream is to bring the best of Japanese street food to the masses. As founder and managing partner of PinKU Restaurant Group — a chef-driven, fine-casual Japanese restaurant and critical darling of St. Anthony Main — that dream is not only alive, but flourishing as he prepares to open a second location at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport later this year.” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Read the full article by Mollee Francisco at bizjournals.com (March 19, 2019)
PinKU Japanese Street Food’s Xiaoteng Huang Named 2019 “40 Under 40” Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal announced PinKU Japanese Street Food’s Xiaoteng Huang on its first round list of 2019 “40 Under 40” honorees, a list that includes young business and community leaders from across industries and throughout the Twin Cities. Each year, Business Journal editors select 40 leaders under the age of 40 who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement while also finding time to give back to their communities. This year, there was nearly 400 nominations, making the selection an incredible achievement for Xiaoteng.
Read the full article by Kim Johnson at bizjournals.com (January 23, 2019)
PinKU Japanese Street Food Receives the 2018 “People Love Us On Yelp” Award
PinKU Japanese on Twin Cities Live
“Japanese rice balls were bomb!” – ABC/KSTP Twin Cities Live
Watch the video at twincitieslive.com (December 26, 2018)
Eat and Drink Your Way Through Minneapolis’ Northeast Neighborhood
“For dinner, go to nearby PinKU, where the small but mighty counter-service sushi spot has distilled everything there is to love about sushi into the greatest hits beloved by Americans, all without a single whiff of takeout clamshell corner-cutting. Also find good Japanese beer and fancy bubbles by the glass. Recommended dishes: Yellowtail tuna with crispy onions; spicy tuna on crispy rice.” – Meet Minneapolis
Read the full article by Mecca Bos at minneapolis.org (November, 2018)
Northeast of Downtown: Where the Good Times Are
“Nestled along the Mississippi River, Northeast Minneapolis extends far back into a thriving industrial oasis. The area is an embodiment of old meets new – perfectly combined into a melting pot of change and preservation where cobblestone streets meet newly paved roads. New businesses, often local, open their doors next to historic shops and businesses while residential neighborhoods continue to grow as a city-wide hot spot for calling home… PinKU Japanese Street Food serves obsessively crafted small plates, just 11 of them, of Japanese seafood favorites, prepared in an open kitchen.” – Meet Minneapolis
Read the full article at minneapolis.org (November, 2018)
5 of the Best Sushi Spots in Minneapolis
“Topping the list is PinKU Japanese Street Food. Located at 20 University Ave. NE in Northeast, the award-winning project of chef John Sugimura and Xiaoteng Huang boasts 4.5 stars out of 174 reviews on Yelp. From the fast-casual spot’s sushi menu, Yelpers recommend the spicy tuna fat roll for its flavors and size. While you’re there, check out its other favorite dishes too, like the crispy shrimp over rice.“ – WCCO TV/CBS Minnesota
Read the full article at minnesota.cbslocal.com (October 23, 2018)
The Art of Japanese Street Food: PinKU
“The PinKU experience begins with the menu. Emulating ema, small wooden plaques on which wishes and prayers are written and left outside of shrines, PinKU’s menu is written on wooden boards inside the door. Presented in English, the menu is accessible even to those who enter the restaurant without any knowledge of Japanese cuisine…Perhaps the most striking piece of art in the restaurant is the giant fish mural created by NEMAA artist Jared Tuttle…True to the value of accessibility, the mural is inspired by a piece of graffiti – an art from found on the streets rather than in galleries…At PinKU you can eat amazing, affordable sushi. But you also walk away with much more – you leave the restaurant with a story.” – N Studio Magazine
Read the full article by Alia Jeraj in Issue 2 of the N Studio Magazine, photography by Sarah White (October, 2018)
PinKU Japanese on Twin Cities Live
“John Sugimura is the owner of PinKU Japanese Street Food in Northeast Minneapolis. He stopped to with a recipe on how to make Japanese Rice balls.” – ABC/KSTP Twin Cities Live
Watch the video at twincitieslive.com (October 11, 2018)
Eat.Drink.Dish Names PinKU “The Top 5 Most Instagrammable Restaurants” on The Jason Show on Fox 9
PinKU is “the explosion of color!” – The Jason Show (July 11, 2018)
With “Nourish” Series, Local Restaurateurs Hope to Address Industry-wide Addiction and Trauma
“PinKU’s northeast Minneapolis restaurant is run by a small staff. When even one employee is struggling, the impact can be broad…Sugimura said that Nourish series events have helped him look at the problem of hiring and retaining employees from a different perspective. Learning ways to create and nurture a trauma-aware working environment has opened his eyes and helped him develop strategies for supporting employees caught in the throes of personal struggles. ‘You have to be an employer who cares,’ Sugimura said. ‘Sometimes that means being direct and tough. You might need to say, I care enough to tell you that you can’t do cocaine before work. That can be a hard thing to say, but it has to happen. Sometimes it’s giving them the time they need to recover and then making space for them when they come back.’ … ‘With my employees, I want to say, while you are working for me, I’m going to embrace you,’ Sugimura said. ‘You don’t have to filter yourself while you are here with me for your six-hour shift. There aren’t a lot of workplaces where you can do that, but a restaurant is one of them.'” – MinnPost
Read the full article by Andy Steiner at minnpost.com (July 9, 2018)
Delicious Alternatives Abound During Food Court Renovation
“Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport’s ongoing improvement work at Terminal 1 includes a complete overhaul of the main food court off the airport mall…Those venues include PinKU, a local treasure that specializes in Japanese street food; Moe’s Southwestern Grill, an option for southwestern fare with a rock-n-roll attitude; Firehouse Subs, which steams its meats and cheeses to release a rush of flavors; Auntie Anne’s, recognized for its freshly baked soft pretzels; and Shake Shack, a well-known national brand that will open its second Minnesota location at the airport.” – Metropolitan Airport Commission
Read the full article in the MSP Newsletter (June 14, 2018)
Bursting With Pride: PinKU in the Twin Cities, MN
“In June of 2016, John Sugimura and Xiaoteng Huang opened PinKU Japanese Street Food in Northeast Minneapolis – a ‘fine-casual’ Japanese restaurant that showcases fresh ingredients, authenticity, and culture. So fresh, in fact, that they do not have a freezer or a storage backroom onsite. From melt-in-your-mouth seared salmon on savory rice cake, to plump and crispy shrimp drizzled with creamy spicy mayo, they craft Japanese delicacies in front of patrons in the open kitchen. Their food and space not only honor incredible ingredients, but also a concept of harmony and cross-cultural community. PinKU has been so successful at their flagship location, they are currently working on opening up a second location at MSP International Airport.” – Yelp Official Blog
Read the full article by Kara Doucette at yelpblog.com (June 11, 2018)
The Very Best Gay-Owned and-Operated Restaurants in the Metro Area
“I could dine in gyoza and dumplings for days – especially if they’re the ones at PinKU, created by chef/co-owner John Sugimura. That’s just one of the endlessly munchable dishes from the casual little shop in Northeast. The goal of this restaurant is to take Japanese food from the top shelf and make it more approachable and affordable for everybody. Sugimura draws on inspiration from dishes his grandmother used to make. The result is the kind of spot that is easy-eating street food that appeals to everyone.” – Lavender Magazine (page 92)
Read the full article by Joy Summers at lavendermagazine.com (June 6, 2018)
PinKU Japanese on Twin Cities Live
“The accolades for one Northeast Minneapolis restaurant have now gone global. LUX Magazine out of London named PinKU Japanese Street Food the best authentic Japanese cuisine in the United States.” – ABC/KSTP Twin Cities Live
Watch the video at twincitieslive.com (May 31, 2018)
PinKU Japanese Street Food Awarded the 2018 Certificate of Excellence Award by TripAdvisor
PinKU Japanese Street Food has been recognized with the 2018 Certificate of Excellence award, based on the consistently great reviews it has earned on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site. (May 23, 2018)
Cooking With WCCO: PinKU Japanese Street Food
“In today’s Cooking with WCCO, we’re getting a preview of a fun pop-event featuring sushi. Joining us now are Chef John Sugimura from PinKU Japanese Street Food and from Moxy Hotel Zach Rasmussen.” – WCCO TV/CBS Minnesota
Watch the video at minnesota.cbslocal.com (April 13, 2018)
Explore Japan with Chef John Sugimura
“Harmony, respect, purity and tranquility: These are the principles that guide Executive Chef and Partner John Sugimura in his craft at PinKU Japanese Street Food in Northeast Minneapolis. Half German and half Japanese, he grew up in the Twin Cities experiencing very little of his Japanese heritage. In part, no doubt, because of the pain surrounding it: His father and grandmother, a skilled cook and restaurateur herself, were incarcerated at Tule Lake internment camp for four and a half years. Every Christmas, three generations of relatives would gather, giving Sugimura a taste (really, an overdose, he says) of Japanese culture — just enough to whet his appetite.” – Artful Living
Read the full article by Kate Nelson at artfulliving.com (March 22, 2018)
10 Under-the-radar Restaurants to Try Right Now in the Twin Cities
“‘Where do you eat when you’re not working?’ is a question that’s frequently lobbed in my direction. This counter-service spot is a frequent response. In their small, spotless storefront, owners Xiaoteng Huang and John Sugimura focus on a dozen or so appealing dishes, all noteworthy for their freshness, simplicity, speed, shareability and affordability (prices rarely exceed $8). The pristine, velvety tuna poke is a must, as is the pepper- and mayonnaise-coated fried shrimp and the seared salmon with rice and avocado. Do not miss the pan-fried, pork-filled dumplings. If there are scallops — sweet, juicy, irresistible — by all means, order them, and the “PinKU Elixir,” a refreshing sake-Champagne cocktail, is a treat.” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Rick Nelson at startribune.com (March 21, 2018)
PinKU Japanese Street Food Awarded the Most Authentic Japanese Cuisine 2018 Award by LUX Magazine
“The judging panel has awarded PinKU Japanese Street Food with the title of: Most Authentic Japanese Cuisine 2018 – Minnesota, United States. Choosing which restaurant or a bar to dine at, can be at times quite overwhelming with the vast variety of choice. With options spanning from fast food to the fine dining, tea house to juice bars. There are many diverse and exciting places to choose from, all offering a high-level quality of service to add to the experience, the restaurant and dink industry is one that always goes the extra mile. As such, the Restaurant and Bar awards raises a glass to those whose innovative thinking, tireless efforts and dedication to the industry has led to the creation of some unique dining places. Our awards seek to showcase the very best of the best this industry has to offer, rewarding those who strive towards providing a unique experience.” – LUX Magazine
Read the spring edition of the magazine at lux-review.com (March 2018)
MSP Reimagined
“PinKU Japanese street food is the ultimate expression of flavors, colors, passion and skill. With a sushi roll and some cocktails? Sold.” – Metropolitan Airport Commission
Read the full article at reimaginemsp.com (March 14, 2018)
Here’s MSP Airport’s Plan for its Newest Eateries
“If you’re traveling in or out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in the next 18 months or so, your travels will probably take you past one of dozens of new restaurants that will open around the airport…local eateries like Bottle Rocket (from Blue Plate Restaurant Co.), Hi-Lo Diner, PinKU Japanese Street Food and Tattersall Distillery had won coveted spots at the airport.” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Read the full article by Mark Reilly at bizjournals.com (March 14, 2018)
Emphasizing Local Names, MSP Airport Adding 25-plus New Restaurants
“Dining at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is looking to get even better. And even more local…PinKU Japanese Street Food (get a taste of its delicious, quick-service fare — love that spicy tuna on crispy rice — at its northeast Minneapolis location) will open in August 2019 in the Airport Mall.” – Star Tribune
Read the full article by Rick Nelson at startribune.com (March 13, 2018)
See How MSP Airport’s Food Newbies Did in Their Debut Year
“The Metropolitan Airports Commission is going through another round of adding new restaurants and bars for Terminal 1, including chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and Shake Shack, and local restaurants like PinKU Japanese Street Food and Tattersall Distillery. The airport kicked off construction last weekend for the concepts, which will open by Nov. 2019, said Elizabeth Grzechowiak, the assistant director of concessions and business development with the airport.” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Read the full article by Daniel DeBaun at bizjournals.com (February 23, 2018)
PinKU’s Cured & Seared Salmon on Rice
“The accolades just keep racking up for one Northeast Minneapolis restaurant. Travel & Leisure Magazine said PinKU Japanese Street Food is the place in town for Japanese food, and they are not alone…City Pages said they have the best sushi in the city. Minnesota Monthly had them as one of the best global restaurants in town. You get the idea.” – ABC/KSTP Twin Cities Live
Watch the video at twincitieslive.com (February 21, 2018)
Sneak Peek: Renderings of New $14 million Food Court at MSP Airport
“The Metropolitan Airports Commission, which manages Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, has released renderings of the new food court planned for the main mall area in Terminal 1-Lindbergh. The food court is part of a remodeling project to install 30 new eateries and bars, including chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and Shake Shack, and local restaurants like PinKU Japanese Street Food. The new businesses will fill 19 units totaling 82,000 square feet in locations ranging from the main mall area to concourses A, B, C and F.” – Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Read the full article by Nick Williams at bizjournals.com (February 7, 2018)
Sushi – Best Sushi Minneapolis and St. Paul Have to Offer
“PinKU is ‘Japanese street food,’ meaning without pretense; no formal sit-downs necessary, or even really possible, here. It also implies and indicates a creativity that makes fast and casual food (flavor-wise, at least) hold its own against the places that are formal and sit-down. PinKU’s hand rolls and seared fish stay crazy with flavor, but they have as much love for fresh vegetables (so much radish!) as they do for fish.” – Twin Cities Agenda
Read the full article by Adrian Daniel Schramm at tcagenda.com (February 5, 2018)
Minnesota Food Guide – Authentic Eats
PinKU was featured in the Minnesota Food Guide (page 57 & 66).
“Where global flavors meet ferris wheel cocktails – and literally everything in-between. The innovative Minneapolis food and drink scene is ready to impress – and not just with the menus but with our amazing spaces too.“
Read the 2018 edition of the Minnesota Food Guide (February 1, 2018)
Romantic Dining At Home
“The best gifts are always the ones made by hand. There is nothing better or more romantic than pulling together a dinner made from scratch. We reached out to some of our favorite gay tastemakers for their best recipes to mix up at home. Start the evening with a stunning cocktail then try a fresh take on battered walleye and finish with PinKU’s spectacular salmon.” – Lavender Magazine
Read the full article by Joy Summers at lavendermagazine.com (February 1, 2018)
The Jason Show on Fox 9
“His Japanese restaurant was named Most Likely to Succeed in 2017 by Minnesota Business Magazine, and by every account they were right.” – Jason Matheson (January 4, 2018)
Where to Eat and Drink Near the U.S. Bank Stadium
“This small space offers some of the biggest flavors in town. Chef-owner John Sugimura, who prides himself on an approachable, affordable menu, offers traditional Japanese sushi, snacks and drinks in just 960-square feet. Be sure to order one – or more – small plates of crispy dumplings and jumbo crispy shrimp with rice. After you eat, walk or drive along nearby SE Main Street for some selfie-worthy views of downtown and the historic Stone Arch Bridge. If you miss out during your visit, don’t worry — PinKU has plans to open a location in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.“ – Eater
Read the full article by Vox Creative at eater.com (January 4, 2018)
Good Day LA on FOX 11 Los Angeles
Chef John Sugimura making spicy tuna crispy rice to ring in the new year on FOX 11 Los Angeles.
Watch the full video at foxla.com (December 21, 2017)
Where to Eat in Minneapolis During Super Bowl Week
“PinKU’s approach to approachable and affordable sushi has garnered this wee sliver of a restaurant a cult following. A much bigger deal than the sum of its parts, head there for piles of piping-hot crispy shrimp, the best spicy tuna in town, and iridescent fingers of yellowtail topped with tangles of crisp onion. Also sip counter-service bubbly, sake, and Japanese beer.” – GoMN
Read the full article by Mecca Bos at gomn.com (December 21, 2017)
International Adventures in Minneapolis
“PinKU should be your next stop. Walk into PinKU and you will immediately notice the abstract and colorful artwork covering the walls. PinKU serves Japanese street food in a cozy setting. Even the menu is artfully displayed on wooden blocks from the moment you walk through the door. The quality of the fresh salmon and tuna in the hand rolls and rice dishes is unbelievable! The small sizes of the dishes make it so you can sample two or three items (or more!) per person making it a true culinary adventure every time.” – Globe to Go
Read the full article by Krista O. at globetogo.com (December 21, 2017)
Tiki, Mochi, Slushy: 7 of the Best Food-Driven New Year’s Eve Parties in the Twin Cities
“How do you feel about gyoza and crispy shrimp? Seared salmon and champagne? You’ll get all that and more at PinKU’s New Year’s Eve dinner. Treat yourself to tasty Japanese fare with cocktails, bubbles, and mochi for $40. Send your reservation request to [email protected] for one of three seatings (5 p.m., 7 p.m., or 9 p.m.).” – City Pages
Read the full article by Theresa J. Beckhusen at citypages.com (December 11, 2017)
PinKU Wins the Most Likely to Succeed Startup Award in Food & Beverage Retail by the Minnesota Business Magazine
PinKU Japanese Street Food represents the best of Minnesota’s flourishing startup community most likely to succeed according to Minnesota Business Magazine. Chef John Sugimura was recognized for presenting food as an art form rooted in culture, entertainment and education.
Read the full article by Raha Khan at minnesotabusiness.com (November 28, 2017)
The Immigrant Cookbook: Recipes that Make America Great
The Jason Show on Fox 9
“You’ve probably had sushi before, but how about trying other Japanese foods. Thanks to Chef John from PinKU Japanese Street Food for sharing his crispy rice dish and talking about how to land a restaurant inside the airport.” – Jason Matheson (November 1, 2017)