Sumo Sushi & Bento Celebrates 25 Years of Heritage, Loyalty, and Legacy in Dubai

SUMO SUSHI & BENTO CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF HERITAGE, LOYALTY AND LEGACY IN DUBAI’S F&B LANDSCAPE

Dubai, UAE: In a city that reinvents itself every few years, few brands stand the test of time. But Sumo Sushi & Bento, Dubai’s original Japanese restaurant, has thrived for 25 remarkable years, expanding across the UAE and continuing to define what longevity, consistency, and community mean in Dubai’s fast-evolving culinary scene.

Founded in 2000, Sumo Sushi & Bento introduced authentic Japanese flavors and the UAE’s first Poké bowls, long before sushi and sashimi became mainstream. Over two and a half decades later, it remains one of the nation’s most beloved homegrown dining brands, a rare feat in the transient world of restaurants.

At the heart of Sumo’s enduring success is a deep culture of loyalty and leadership. Julianne Holt-Kailihiwa, Co-Founder and CEO, has been the driving force behind the brand’s vision, leading with the belief that good food, good fun and good people are inseparable. Under her guidance, Sumo has evolved from a single restaurant into a regional brand, with multiple locations and a legacy rooted in trust, craftsmanship, and joy.

Supporting this legacy are two extraordinary culinary pillars whose dedication defines the soul of Sumo’s kitchen:

• Chef Tako, Executive Chef of the Cold Kitchen, who has been with the brand for an astonishing 24 years, and continues to craft each sushi roll with precision, patience, and pride.
• Chef Gilbert, Executive Chef of the Hot Kitchen, who has been with Sumo for 17 years, bringing warmth, creativity, and consistency to every plate served.

Their combined four decades of commitment represent something rare, a brand that values longevity in a world obsessed with change.

“Sumo’s story is one of people, purpose, and perseverance,” says Julianne Holt-Kailihiwa, CEO. “In 2000, sushi was a curiosity in Dubai. Today, it’s a part of the city’s heartbeat, and we are honored to have been there from the very beginning. Our journey has never been about trends; it’s been about trust. About serving families who came to us as guests and stayed as part of our story.”

From introducing Poké to the region, to pioneering family-friendly Japanese dining, and nurturing a team that treats every dish like a work of art, Sumo Sushi & Bento stands as a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose, and consistency becomes culture.

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, Sumo looks not only back with pride but forward with gratitude, continuing to embody the spirit of Japanese hospitality and the resilience that defines Dubai itself.

Because in an ever-changing city, some things are meant to last.

About Sumo Sushi & Bento-

Founded in 2000, Sumo Sushi & Bento is the UAE’s original Japanese restaurant brand. Known for introducing Poké bowls to Dubai and for its unwavering commitment to quality, Sumo has built a 25-year legacy rooted in craftsmanship, family, and innovation. Led by Co-Founder and CEO Julianne Holt-Kailihiwa, Sumo remains a symbol of excellence, consistency, and homegrown pride in the UAE.

For more updates, follow:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumosushibento

 Website: https://sumosushibento.com/