Interview with Tomio Kusudo, Representative Director of Toraiya Honpo Annex
Toraiya Honpo Annex is appealing for its reasonably priced dishes made with Chiyagyu Beef, a historic branded wagyu.
We spoke with Tomio Kusudo, Representative Director of TRY Co., Ltd., which operates Toraiya Honpo Annex, about the circumstances behind its opening, what makes the restaurant special, and his hopes for the future.
A place to enjoy Chiyagyu Beef easily, even outside its production area of Niimi
What led you to open the annex?<
Kusudo (surname only)
When we changed the main restaurant’s business model to focus on local cuisine centered around “kibi soba,” an acquaintance introduced us to Chiyagyu Beef as a local ingredient.
That was what led us to start serving Chiyagyu Beef at our restaurant.
Later, someone introduced us to the property where the annex is now located.
There are few restaurants serving Chiyagyu Beef in the southern part of the prefecture, and those that do tend to be a little upscale.
There are hardly any specialty restaurants, either.
So I thought I’d try opening a restaurant specializing in Chiyagyu Beef.
That’s how we opened the annex in the property that had been introduced to us.
What was difficult, and what did you do to address it?
Kusudo
Chiyagyu Beef is a premium ingredient because so few cattle are raised.
The challenge was to serve it at the most reasonable price possible.
We tried changing the cuts we served and adjusting how we served them and the menu…
We considered all sorts of things.
We’re still working through trial and error.
Surprisingly, many customers are local
What are the annex’s features, and how does it differ from the main restaurant?
Kusudo
Unlike the main restaurant, the annex is characterized by having a lot of local customers.
Many tourists still don’t know about Chiyagyu Beef.
One reason is that so few cattle are raised.
On the other hand, it is known around Okayama Prefecture.
But there are few restaurants serving Chiyagyu Beef in the southern part of the prefecture.
That’s why people around Kurashiki in the south of the prefecture have taken an interest in it.
They say, “We can enjoy Chiyagyu Beef dishes at a reasonable price at a specialty restaurant without having to make the trip all the way to Niimi.”
Creating a relaxing space
What do you focus on at the annex?
Kusudo
Actually, we have different concepts for daytime and nighttime.
During the day, we cater to people who want to eat Chiyagyu Beef at a reasonable price.
At night, we cater to people who want to relax and enjoy Chiyagyu Beef dishes at their leisure.
That’s why nighttime service is by reservation only, for groups of four or more.
The property was actually a private home before we moved in.
It’s rare to find a place retaining the atmosphere of a private home right in the heart of the Bikan Historical Area.
That’s why we deliberately kept the interior’s private-home atmosphere.
We want our guests to enjoy their meals while spending a leisurely time in a relaxing atmosphere.
Hopes for the future
What are your hopes for the future, or things you’d like to try?
Kusudo
Chiyagyu Beef is a historic branded wagyu that Bitchu, in Okayama Prefecture, is proud of.
But even people who live locally and know about Chiyagyu Beef don’t often get to eat it.
That’s why we want people to enjoy the local branded wagyu more often and more easily.
I want local people in particular to discover the flavors of their own region.
Of course, I also want visitors here for tourism or business to enjoy it.
I think Chiyagyu Beef is still seen as an ingredient that is difficult to access within the prefecture, and it has low name recognition outside the prefecture.
I hope that as many people as possible will learn about the appeal of Chiyagyu Beef.
From the Writer
If you’ve heard of Chiyagyu Beef, you probably know it’s a premium meat that’s hard to get a chance to eat.
Isn’t it like a dream to have a place where you can easily enjoy the Chiyagyu Beef you’ve long admired?
What’s more, the entire building can be rented for evening service.
For a special occasion—whether you want to enjoy a nice meal with your family, celebrate an anniversary, or have a leisurely dinner with friends—why not visit Toraiya Honpo Annex?
It’s also recommended when you visit Kurashiki for tourism or business.
Come and savor Chiyagyu Beef, the branded wagyu that Bitchu is proud of, at Toraiya Honpo Annex.
Toraiya Honpo Annex Information
| Name | Toraiya Honpo Annex |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-27 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-427-0122 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (last order at 2:00 p.m.) Dinner: 4:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (one group only; reservations for four or more) |
| Closed | Monday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted Reservations available for groups of four or more |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Child-friendly | Children’s tableware available |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Website | Toraiya Honpo – Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area |
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