Yoshi Tome
CEO
A native of Okinawa, Japan, Yoshi Tome has been a resident of the United States since 1981. Possessing a degree in education from a Japanese University, Tome came to the United States for a yearlong teacher exchange program. After living in the San Joaquin Valley, California for a year, Tome relocated to Sausalito. There, before becoming sole proprietor of Sushi Ran, he worked for three years in the restaurant that was its predecessor. More >>
Yoshi Tome
CEO
A native of Okinawa, Japan, Yoshi Tome has been a resident of the United States since 1981. Possessing a degree in education from a Japanese University, Tome came to the United States for a yearlong teacher exchange program. After living in the San Joaquin Valley, California for a year, Tome relocated to Sausalito. There, before becoming sole proprietor of Sushi Ran, he worked for three years in the restaurant that was its predecessor.
In 1986 the restaurant was comprised of a 26-seat sushi bar restaurant with three sushi chefs and a wait staff of three. By 1996 Tome expanded both the kitchen and restaurant and added a dining room with 25 seats. The business grew to employ 45 staff members including six sushi chefs. Tome’s vision for Sushi Ran continued to grow, and with it the visionary cuisine. A classically trained, credentialed culinary chef joined the sushi chefs and an inventive menu featuring a sophisticated fusion of traditional Japanese sushi and Pacific cuisine was developed and then paired with an extensive list of premium sakes and wines. The restaurant underwent another substantial expansion in 2000 when Tome acquired a commercial space next door and through a major remodeling effort, transformed the space into a sophisticated wine and sake bar with an outdoor patio, expanding the seating to over ninety.
Tome has always been actively involved in community affairs, participating in the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce and the Japanese Restaurant Association of Northern California. He was elected president of the Northern California Japanese Restaurant Association in 1999, a position he currently holds, his fifth term. A vocal and supportive advocate of local business, Tome has served the Sausalito Chamber as a member, director, and chairperson over a span of fifteen years. A strong backer of the Sister City Program between Sausalito and Sakaide, Japan, Tome has helped facilitate the exchange of home stay visits for students from both cities.
Today, Sushi Ran is ranked among the top five restaurants in the Bay Area (across all categories of cuisine), according to Zagat Survey 2006. Sushi Ran has become a well-known destination for its inventive fusion of traditional Japanese and California cuisine.
Education
Bachelor of Education and Political Science, Ryuku University, Okinawa, Japan
Recent Recognition and Awards
2005 “Business Citizen of the Year” Spirit of Marin Awards, Marin Chambers of Commerce
2005 “American Dream” Award, Golden Gate Restaurant Association
2001 “Volunteer of the Year” Award, Sausalito Park and Recreation Department <<
