Staff Reports | Business & Commerce
Kasai Japanese Steakhouse, a Scottsdale restaurant known for teppanyaki dining and sushi, has been sold to Scottsdale-based restaurant group EDGI, led by entrepreneur Robert Stidham.
EDGI will continue operating the restaurant as it currently exists while preparing to expand the concept through franchising, with potential agreements under discussion with resort, casino and entertainment venue groups, according to a press release.
Kasai has been owned and operated by the Russello family for 25 years and first opened in Scottsdale in 2001.
Mr. Stidham said interest in the concept reflects demand for experiential dining as consumers become more selective with discretionary spending.
The first franchise agreements could be finalized as early as the fourth quarter of this year.
The ownership change reflects continued interest in destination-style dining concepts despite broader economic shifts.
Kasai has built a reputation in the Scottsdale market for its teppanyaki, sushi and interactive dining format.
