Who We Are

A note from our founder.

The story behind Kisoya, in our own words.

おもてなし

Welcome to Kisoya.

My name is Jimmy Tanaka. My wife Sun Mi and I built this restaurant the same way we build everything in our family — with care, with patience, and with the belief that food is how people come home to each other.

Kisoya is our love letter to Japan. To the small neighborhood places where the chef knows your name. To the bowls of broth that taste like someone’s grandmother spent the whole afternoon getting them right. To the quiet rhythm of a meal that doesn’t rush you.

At the heart of our kitchen is omotenashi — the Japanese spirit of wholehearted hospitality. It means anticipating, not reacting. It means seeing each guest as a person, not a transaction. It means a clean table, a warm greeting, and a meal made for you, not for “the order.”

We believe in three things, every day:

  • Hospitality. Every guest is welcomed like family.
  • Craft. Every dish is made with care; every detail matters.
  • Pride. In our food, our team, and the space we share with you.

We’re glad you’re here.

Jimmy & Sun Mi

Who is who

Meet Jimmy & Sun Mi Tanaka.

Kisoya is built on love, partnership, and a deep belief in doing one thing well. Jimmy’s path started at Benihana, where he began as a dishwasher and learned the discipline of a Japanese kitchen from the inside out. Sun Mi’s moved through kitchens like Jean-Georges and Nobu, where her care for food and detail shows in everything she does. They met at Nobu and grew into partners — in marriage, and in business.

Kisoya itself isn’t their invention. It’s a renowned tonkatsu and udon concept from Korea — the kind of place Sun Mi remembers eating at with her family as a child. When they saw that nobody in Georgia had put tonkatsu at the center the way Kisoya does, they partnered with the brand to bring it here.

Together they’ve opened Kisoya, Koquio, and Sunny Ice Cream — all under LJ Hospitality Group — each built on the same belief: hospitality is a craft, and a small, focused idea done right is worth more than a big idea done halfway.

This restaurant is part of the legacy they’re building for their children, JJ and Lucas. As Jimmy puts it: “Anyone can copy a recipe or import the same ingredients. No one can copy the heart and care we pour into this place.”

Founders photograph — placeholder
Our values

What we stand for.

01 — おもてなし

Omotenashi

Wholehearted hospitality. We anticipate, we don’t react — the best service feels invisible.

02 — 匠

Craft

Every plate, every detail, every time. The same panko, the same fry time, the same care.

03 — 誇

Pride

In our food, our team, and our space. Not loud — consistent.