Sarku to open new storefront restaurant in Schaumburg

Sarku Japan, the Japanese quick-service restaurant chain found in many suburban shopping malls, will open storefront Teriyaki and Sushi Express franchises in South Suburban Orland Park on Thursday and another in Schaumburg in December.

They are among a half dozen such restaurants planned nationwide by the end of this year, with another 10 to 15 more coming next year, said Alex Uy, Sarku's manager of franchise operations.

More new locations are expected to open in California, New Jersey, New York and the Washington, D.C. area.

The restaurants first opened outside of Boston more than 20 years ago. Sarku Japan, currently has about 200 locations in food courts at malls in 37 states. Sarku chefs prepare made-to-order sushi and teriyaki recipes on a teppanyaki grill in view of diners.

New franchise storefront locations are slated to open in strip malls and shopping centers with ample parking.

Sarku Japan franchise owners also are being sought and prospective franchisees are expected to meet in Schaumburg on Oct. 27, Uy said.