The first Happi House restaurant in opened February 29, 1976 in San Jose’s historic Japantown. The restaurant was a novel venture by Mr. Joe Ikeda, Dr. Carlo Besio and Mr. Richard Tanaka; three partners who shared an enthusiasm towards food and believed quick service and family restaurant menus had become predictably boring.

Inspired by the popular foods of Japantown's famous Obon Festival, the partners agreed that their restaurant would always prepare fresh and delicious Asian style meals. They named the restaurant “Happi House” after the traditional Japanese garment, the Happi Coat, which is a lightweight cotton jacket worn during festivals and celebrations. Happi Coats, which were originally sewn by a family member, became Happi House’s first uniform and were worn by all staff for many years.

The founding partners agreed that meals would be cooked to order, and be offered at a family-friendly price. Together with that philosophy, time-honored family recipes and an innovative cooking system, Happi House was the first restaurant of its kind. Pioneering fresh California Style Teriyaki and serving signature Teriyaki, Tempura, Noodle & Rice Bowls to a public that was on-the-go.

Happi House’s distinctive California approach to Teriyaki cuisine was, above all, fresh and delicious. A top-secret blend of seasonings, house Teriyaki sauce, and only the most wholesome ingredients combined with an amazing Teriyaki Infusion cooking method, creating an unbeatable menu.

In just a few months Happi House became a favorite eatery for all kinds of people, and loyal Happi House enthusiasts began driving for miles to enjoy the one-of-a-kind Happi House taste. The Teriyaki Chicken and Happi House’s Asian Chicken Salad were instant hits. Perhaps the most popular flavor at Happi House was the homemade Teriyaki Sauce. Demand for the sauce grew to the point that in the 1980’s Happi House began bottling their sauce and offering it for retail and take home sale.

As times and tastes changed, new and unique menu items would be added to Happi House’s menu. Grilled Salmon Teriyaki (a quick-service first) became a signature dish of the brand. A Teriyaki Burger topped with Onion Rings & Grilled Pineapple, Firecracker Hot Wings, Thai Chicken Salad, and the Happi Wrap, made with Tempura Chicken & Teriyaki Mayo, would also be included among Happi House’s most popular items and helped keep the menu as fresh as the food.

As Happi House’s popularity grew so did Happi House. Currently, Happi House has locations serving six Bay Area neighborhoods, and continues to grow. 

Today demand for healthier and more unique alternatives to typical fast-food options is exploding across all regions of the U.S. And Happi House is underway with expansion plans to serve this growing market.  As a teriyaki franchise, a chicken franchise, and a one-of-a-kind quick service franchise, Happi House is an outstanding business opportunity.

For additional information or questions about Happi House Restaurants, please contact the Happi House company headquarters at (408) 866.5966.

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