Interview with Kiyobumi Tsuo, the owner of Shokukoubou Tuo
The origin of the store name and the feelings behind "Actually, I wanna sit down and drink for us"
I believe the name "Tuo" in the store name comes from your name, but could you tell us again about the origin of the store name and why you chose "Shokukoubou"?
Tsuo
In the past, when I was a student, I often went to a Western-style restaurant in Kobe that had "Yoshoku Koubou" in its name.
I think I was inspired by my favorite restaurant and added "Koubou" to the store name.
The origin of the name comes from the desire to create a place that responds to a wide range of customer needs regarding "food" without being biased towards categories like "Western food" or "Japanese food."
Since entering the store, I have been curious about the English words "Actually, I wanna sit down and drink for us" displayed next to the store name at the front. What does it mean?
Tsuo
I am the one who cooks and serves, but I actually want to sit down and enjoy drinks with all the customers.
I want to create an atmosphere in the store by gathering together casually rather than having a relationship between customers and the store.
That's a wonderful meaning. It may come through, but could you talk about the concept of the store?
Tsuo
Before I opened my store "Shokukoubou Tuo," I worked at a French restaurant and planned to continue with French cuisine.
However, as I worked at various restaurants, I felt it would be difficult to do French cuisine in my hometown Okayama, so I thought it would be nice to create a place where locals can come easily and started this store.
I want to respond to customer needs, so I offer a wide range of options including kaiseki cuisine for celebrations and funerals, catered bento, and izakaya (Japanese pub) menus at night.
Do you have any particular commitment to your dishes?
Tsuo
I want people to know about ingredients they have never eaten before, like roasted duckling, which you can only eat at a French restaurant, and say, "Delicious" and "This is what it tastes like."
If I get too particular about ingredients, it can be endless. Of course, "delicious" is a prerequisite, and my commitment is to provide dishes that make customers feel "I'm glad I came, I want to come again."
Deciding to reopen for the fans of the store after the heavy rain disaster in July 2018
I was surprised by the variety of dishes on the menu. I can feel your desire for customers to enjoy. Next, if you don't mind, could you share your story after the store was affected by the heavy rain disaster in July 2018?
Tsuo
During the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, the store was flooded to about 180 centimeters. It was really helpful that my relatives and the families of my staff came every day in the heat to help with the cleanup.
While cleaning up, I was often asked by neighbors, "When will you reopen?" Of course, I was happy to hear that, but I had some hesitation about reopening in the same place.
However, what pushed me forward was when a grandmother who was a fan of our store passed away, and her family requested to hold her 49th-day memorial service here.
Although the schedule was tight, I thought it was important for the family and for the late grandmother, so I decided to renovate the Japanese-style room first to hold the memorial service.
The decision to reopen was largely influenced by the voices of the customers. By mid-September 2018, all renovations in the store were completed, and we reopened for business.
Words that made me happy while running the store and future prospects
Could you share any episodes that made you happy while running the store?
Tsuo
The words from customers make me the happiest. "I'll bring other people and come again." Hearing that, or when they take home the store's flyer, or when classmates use the store for their reunion. Seeing the faces of repeat customers is what motivates me the most.
Thank you for sharing such wonderful stories. Finally, could you tell us about the future prospects of the store?
Tsuo
There are many things I want to do, but since I am the only one cooking, it can be difficult to realize everything as I wish.
Right now, I can only do half of what I want, but I want to get closer to my ideal.
I hope the store can become a place where nearby people can casually say, "Let's go to Tuo and chat."
To achieve that, I want to respond to expectations even more.
Conclusion
The author has visited Shokukoubou Tuo, a restaurant in Yakage Town, which is next to Mabi, several times before.
Every dish is delicious, and it is a wonderful place, so I was very impressed when Tsuo mentioned during this interview that "I can only do half of what I want to do."
Regarding the stylish interior with round windows and star decorations, it seems that it was created with the thought of wanting customers to enjoy the experience of dining out visually as well.
I heard that after the heavy rain disaster in July 2018, the night menu increased to about 100 types. I would like to visit for dinner with someone special after a long time.
Although I still have a long way to go in conveying the charm of the store, I would be happy if the deliciousness of the dishes and the owner's thoughts could be conveyed, and that you look forward to enjoying a meal there.
Data of Shokukoubou Tuo
| Name | Shokukoubou Tuo |
|---|---|
| Address | 2448-1 Eira, Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0866-82-3232 |
| Parking | Available 12 cars |
| Business Hours | Lunch: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Dinner: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Last order at 9:30 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | Monday Irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | Total 52 seats Raised seating: 12 seats Table: 10 seats Tatami: 30 seats |
| Smoking | No smoking during lunch |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Shokukoubou Tuo |
