Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Nam.
Hi Sara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My relatively humble beginnings in the food industry all started out at my aunt’s restaurant. My first position in the food industry as a young teen was busser. This was a time before I had a vision in this industry, so not one bit of passion went into this given role. However, my interest and mindset started to shift as I was promoted to server. When I became a server, my eyes opened towards a bigger world. As this job required much more social interaction than my previous position, I became more enthusiastic and focused towards my work. As time passed, I reached an age where I had to think about which career path I’ll take in life. To be frank, I couldn’t think of any other career path that interested me other than one in the food business. Hence, I went to culinary school, and ended up graduating from The Art Institute of Dallas. Soon after I earned a title as “chef,” my parents had started a small sushi restaurant, where I would work many years, night and day, as one of the sushi chefs. Yet, although I was grateful for this mom-and-pop shop we had, a part of me was not satisfied with just this single business. I myself just knew there was more to fulfill outside of my parent’s restaurant. Hence, despite being aware my parents would have to spend time adjusting without me at the restaurant, I started a new journey, independent from my parents. That is when I opened my first independent sushi business in Hulen, Fort Worth. The primary experiences I had during ownership of this establishment was with no doubt invaluable. Fast forward a couple of years, I undertook yet another sushi business in uptown Dallas until it was time to move on to an even bigger field. And with a grateful heart, I was met with an opportunity to start a much larger capacity, upscale sushi restaurant about 3 minutes from my parent’s restaurant. This was the journey it took for me to reach where I am now, as the chef-owner at Edoko Omakase.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
During the nearly 2 decades working in the food industry, the road wasn’t always smooth. When I was a teen, I saw every minute spent in this industry as meaningless and would look forward to clocking out as soon as I clocked in. This alone felt like an obstacle since I had not imagined myself being in this business at the time. However, the real challenges began in my twenties. During the time I worked as a sushi chef at our family business, every day looked like the day before. This aspect was what brought me great turmoil at times because there was so much more I wished to fulfill. Yet, when I began diving into my independent businesses, spontaneity was what brought the most challenges. Moreover, the responsibilities that came with being the owner meant that every decision I made impacted not only myself but also every employee who was a part of the business. Unfortunately, events that were uncalled for added fuel to the fire, such being covid-19. Edoko Omakase had its doors open for only a couple of months when Covid-19 hit, and we had no choice but to close our doors. This event was tough on our business in that we had invested so much of our time, energy, and money only to open for a couple of months before being forced to temporarily close. When we were supposed to open our doors to the public, spreading our business and making revenue in order to flourish, instead, we had to shut down our business. During these dormant times, maintaining our business was very difficult, as we still had to pay our employee’s rent and other outstanding bills. This pandemic had completely cut the flow of business at the time. However, despite the circumstances, what kept me running in this restaurant business over the years was my passion towards the craft of sushi and the sense of joy I get interacting with customers each day. All in all, owning a restaurant business continues to bring its own set of challenges even to this day; however, the sense of gratitude, joy, and pride I obtain is worthwhile.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Edoko Omakase is an upscale sushi restaurant in Las Colinas. We are known for our high-quality fish, which we majorly get from Japan. However, what differentiates us from other places is the creativity we incorporate into our dishes paired with unique, amazing flavors. Our omakase option will allow you to experience these flavors firsthand. Whether you want to eat out with friends or date night with your partner, Edoko Omakase is the perfect option!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
There is a Japanese-style cafe adjacent to the restaurant co-owned by me and my best friend. The name is Cafe Hana, and we serve high-quality coffee and matcha from Japan as well as Japanese dishes, pastries, desserts, and alcohol. Our cozy atmosphere, paired with the amazing food and desserts, will warm your soul and shock your palate!
Contact Info:
- Website: Edokolascolinas.com
- Instagram: edoko_omakase
