Interview with Tomo, the manager of Izakaya Tomo
Tomo, who is active as the manager at Izakaya Tomo.
I spoke with Tomo about the founding story of Izakaya Tomo, its features, commitments, and future plans.
I have always liked the service industry and wanted to try running a restaurant
What is the background of the founding and the origin of the store name?
Tomo
I have always liked the service industry and have worked in customer service jobs all my life.
However, I had never worked in the food service industry; my previous jobs were in customer service outside of food.
My mother runs a small shop, which has been very successful.
Because of that influence, I always had the desire to run a restaurant someday.
Then, when my children grew up and became less demanding, the desire to work in the food industry came back to me.
So, I decided to take the plunge and try running a restaurant.
I opened the store in April 2019 (the first year of Reiwa).
The name "Tomo" comes from my first name, "Tomoko."
I thought a simple name would be nice (laughs).
As a result of searching for a style not found in Okayama Prefecture, I settled on a combination of yakiniku and izakaya
Why did you choose to combine a yakiniku restaurant and an izakaya?
Tomo
Since I was starting a restaurant, I wanted to challenge myself with a business model that is not found in Okayama Prefecture.
After thinking about it, I came up with the idea of a Japanese-style yakiniku that is an arrangement of samgyeopsal (Korean-style grilled pork belly).
Also, when I go to a yakiniku restaurant, I tend to eat only meat, but I thought it would be interesting to have other dishes like obanzai.
As a result, it became a style of samgyeopsal-style yakiniku + izakaya.
The grill is made of Nanbu iron. I recommend the parent chicken from Misaki-cho, fresh senmai, and grilled potato salad
What are the store's commitments and recommendations?
Tomo
My biggest commitment is the grill for the yakiniku.
I use a grill made of "Nanbu iron," a traditional specialty of Iwate Prefecture.
The grill has grooves and is slanted, inspired by the samgyeopsal grill.
This design allows the fat and juices from the meat to flow and collect.
There is a hole at the corner of the grill where the fat and juices drop into a container below.
Additionally, I recommend the freshly prepared parent chicken from Misaki-cho.
This is sourced daily and is a must-try dish.
One dish that is very popular among customers is fresh senmai.
Fresh senmai is the most popular item on the menu.
We also pay attention to the sauce, and many customers try fresh senmai for the first time at our restaurant.
It is also popular among female customers.
We have a variety of izakaya menu items, so customers who just want to enjoy a drink and some snacks are also satisfied.
Many customers come just for drinks and snacks without eating meat.
Additionally, our oden beef tendon uses A4-A5 grade beef tendon.
Experience its melt-in-your-mouth flavor!
For something unique, I also recommend trying the grilled potato salad.
Looking ahead to opening a second store
What are your future plans for the store?
Tomo
Thanks to everyone, even though our store has just opened, we have had a lot of customers come in.
I feel that there are many young customers lately.
Actually, I have been thinking about opening a second store around Okayama City.
The reason this is called the "Kurashiki store" despite being the first store is for that purpose.
Since I started a style of restaurant that is not found in Okayama Prefecture,
I definitely want to challenge myself to open in Okayama City, where many people gather.
Conclusion
After work or after hanging out with friends, you can casually stop by and enjoy some yakiniku along with drinks and obanzai.
Izakaya Tomo is a place where you can enjoy relaxed yakiniku.
The charm of Izakaya Tomo is that you can eat yakiniku and drink without any pressure.
Please try the delicious yakiniku and the carefully selected dishes like fresh senmai at Izakaya Tomo, which has a unique style.
Data on Izakaya Tomo Hormone Yakiniku Kurashiki
| Name | Izakaya Tomo Hormone Yakiniku Kurashiki |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-4-3-107 Tsurugata, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (inside Kurashiki Department Store) |
| Contact | 086-441-8312 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 5:30 PM - 11:30 PM (Last order at 11:00 PM) |
| Regular Holiday | Sunday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation Availability | Yes Reservations can be made by phone |
| Seating | 21 seats total ・Counter seats: 5 ・4-person table seats: 4 |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Childcare | ・Stroller access allowed ・Children's chairs available ・Children's utensils available |
| Barrier-free | Wheelchair access on the first floor only (however, the toilet is not wheelchair accessible) |
| Website | Izakaya Tomo Hormone Yakiniku Kurashiki |
There are similarly named establishments in Kurashiki City. Please confirm that the address is "Tsurugata" before contacting or visiting.
