You won’t have heard of onigiri rice balls, however that can quickly change if Onigilly Japanese Kitchen has something to do with it.
The San Francisco-based fast-casual idea facilities on conventional Japanese rice balls crammed with elements like salmon, tuna and greens, wrapped in seaweed. The chain is closing 2025 with $2 million in income and double-digit site visitors progress throughout all areas. The San Francisco restaurant noticed a 28 % site visitors improve, whereas San Jose grew 18 %. After receiving California franchise approval in September, Onigilly now has one franchise location working and 5 extra franchisees with signed leases, with plans to open 15-20 areas in 2026.
Founder Koji Kanematsu says his aim is “to convey onigiri into the mainstream as a greater, more healthy, and extra handy fast-food possibility.” Onigiri is vastly fashionable in Japan as a grab-and-go snack possibility. As a franchisor, the corporate takes a hands-on strategy, serving to franchisees establish and negotiate actual property areas.
You won’t have heard of onigiri rice balls, however that can quickly change if Onigilly Japanese Kitchen has something to do with it.
The San Francisco-based fast-casual idea facilities on conventional Japanese rice balls crammed with elements like salmon, tuna and greens, wrapped in seaweed. The chain is closing 2025 with $2 million in income and double-digit site visitors progress throughout all areas. The San Francisco restaurant noticed a 28 % site visitors improve, whereas San Jose grew 18 %. After receiving California franchise approval in September, Onigilly now has one franchise location working and 5 extra franchisees with signed leases, with plans to open 15-20 areas in 2026.
Founder Koji Kanematsu says his aim is “to convey onigiri into the mainstream as a greater, more healthy, and extra handy fast-food possibility.” Onigiri is vastly fashionable in Japan as a grab-and-go snack possibility. As a franchisor, the corporate takes a hands-on strategy, serving to franchisees establish and negotiate actual property areas.

