Why We Chose This Location – The Story Behind Akamaru Scottsdale’s Home

Opening a restaurant isn’t just about the food.It’s also about finding the right place to serve it.

Before we created Akamaru Scottsdale, we spent years dreaming, planning, and searching. We knew we wanted to bring authentic Japanese flavors to Arizona—but we didn’t want to open “just another restaurant.” We wanted a space that felt right. A space that matched our values: warm, intimate, intentional.

And to find that, we had to go far—literally.

✈️ From Tokyo to Kagawa to Scottsdale

While we were still working our day jobs and saving for our dream, we used every vacation to travel and research. Not just for fun—but to learn.

We visited Japanese restaurants in New York, California, Hawaii, and of course—Japan.

In places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kagawa, we didn’t just eat.We studied. We asked questions. We took notes.

In Kagawa—famous for its udon—we spent a full week learning traditional noodle-making from a local master. It was our first serious exploration into hand-made udon and soba: the texture, the broth, the tempura, the dipping sauces. We even considered importing a Sanuki noodle machine.

That trip deepened our appreciation for the craft behind Japanese food.But more importantly—it changed how we thought about restaurants.

🍜 From “What We Like” to “What Guests Will Love”

Before, we used to travel for food simply because we loved eating.But once we decided to open Akamaru Scottsdale, everything changed.

We began to think beyond our own tastes.We started observing restaurants not just as guests—but as future owners.

We asked ourselves:

• What dishes do people genuinely love?

• What kind of spaces make people stay longer?

• What would we do differently, if this were our own place?

We wanted to create a menu and environment that felt thoughtful—not trendy.Cozy, not cold.Personal, not polished-for-Instagram.

And that meant being intentional about everything—including where we would open our doors.

🏢 The Hunt for the Right Space

We spent months searching for the right location for Akamaru Scottsdale.

We checked restaurant listings on sites like BizBuySell almost every day.We met with agents. We visited spaces that were too big, too corporate, too far, or too expensive to renovate.

Ideally, we wanted a space that had already been a restaurant—so we wouldn’t have to build everything from scratch. We were looking for an existing kitchen setup: a hood, a grease trap, gas lines. Something that had the bones of a restaurant, but was flexible enough to become our restaurant.

🔑 Then, We Found It.

Inside Sonora Village, tucked slightly away from the main road, we discovered a small unit that used to be Duck Donuts. At first glance, it wasn’t flashy. You might miss it if you didn’t know where to look.

But when we stepped inside, we knew instantly: this was it.

The space had everything we needed:

• A clean kitchen layout

• Existing ventilation and gas lines

• A cozy L-shaped bar counter—perfect for our open kitchen concept

• A structure that felt intimate, human, and warm

We didn’t want a high-foot-traffic, high-noise, high-rent space.We wanted something guests would seek out—a hidden gem they’d tell their friends about.

We believed if the food was good enough, people would come.And once they came, they’d feel something special here.

🤝 So We Signed. Just Like That.

That small space became the home of Akamaru Scottsdale.

It wasn’t about square footage.It was about possibility.It was about finding a space that fit the heart of what we wanted to build.

When you walk into Akamaru Scottsdale, we hope you feel it too:

• The thought behind every detail

• The warmth of an open kitchen

• The comfort of food that’s made with intention

We’re not here to be the biggest.We just want to be right for the people who find us.

📍 Find Us Here:

15689 N Hayden Rd Ste 126 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Opening October 2025.

We can’t wait to serve you.