Sarku Japan has opened its first Modesto restaurant at Vintage Faire Mall, occupying the second-floor space formerly used by Fresh Grill Mongolian BBQ. The Modesto Bee reported the opening as an addition to the chain’s California presence.
Chicken Teriyaki, cooked on the grill with vegetables and rice or noodles, is what Sarku Japan identifies as its signature dish. The company’s location page also lists Beef and Shrimp Teriyaki, sushi and bento boxes. According to the Modesto Bee, the Modesto counter serves chicken marinated overnight and prepares food to order.
The Modesto Bee reports that plates start around $10, bento boxes cost about $12, sushi rolls start near $11, and sides are $5 or less. The bento includes four pieces of sushi and three dumplings. The menu has more than 15 sushi rolls, including raw tuna and salmon, cooked shrimp tempura and a signature chicken roll, as well as egg rolls, shrimp tempura, fried dumplings and noodles.
Hours and Ordering at the New Food Court Spot
The Modesto location is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., per the same report. Orders can be placed at the counter or ahead of time for pickup through Sarku Japan's app or online. The restaurant employs around 20 people, the paper reports.
The Modesto Bee reported that local business figures attended the opening ceremony. Trish Christensen, president and CEO of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, introduced Sarku Japan CEO Jon Gilliam, who spoke about the new location. Jeremiah Williams and Rosa Escutia-Braaton also spoke before Sarku Japan officials cut the ribbon.
A Nearly 40-Year-Old Chain Expands Its Central Valley Reach
Sarku Japan began in 1987, when four businessmen opened its first store in Boston, aiming to bring Japanese teppanyaki-style cooking to American food courts, according to the Modesto Bee. The chain’s food-court format remains central to its presence in malls.
The Modesto restaurant is Sarku Japan’s third Central Valley location, after Fresno and Visalia, and its 16th in California, the Bee reports. The newspaper puts the chain’s worldwide total at more than 240 restaurants. Sarku Japan’s own location finder gives a different tally: more than 170 locations across 34 states, plus over 30 in Colombia.
More Dining at Vintage Faire Mall
Vintage Faire Mall’s dining directory lists Sarku Japan alongside businesses including Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, Panda Express and Panera Bread. In a separate opening, the Modesto Bee reported on October 22, 2025, that Potato Stop had opened at the mall, serving Korean-style corn dogs and flavored fries.
For broader local employment context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that food preparation and serving occupations accounted for 10 percent of employment in the Modesto area in May 2024. That regional figure describes the sector, not staffing at Sarku Japan.
The new counter adds made-to-order teriyaki plates, sushi rolls and bento boxes to the food choices at Vintage Faire Mall.
