In a city where restaurants come and go with the seasons, Sumo Sushi & Bento stands as a rare success story. This November, the UAE’s original Japanese restaurant brand celebrates 25 remarkable years, marking a milestone that honors not just its longevity, but the people and stories that shaped it.
Founded in 2000, Sumo introduced Dubai to authentic Japanese cuisine and the country’s first poke bowls long before sushi became a household word. Today, with eight branches across the Emirates, Sumo remains one of the nation’s most loved homegrown dining destinations built on a promise of “Good people, Good food, and Good fun.”
At the heart of this legacy is Julianne Holt-Kailihiwa, Co-Founder and CEO, who has led Sumo with vision, loyalty, and heart. She’s joined by two culinary pillars whose commitment defines the brand’s spirit:
- Chef Tako, Executive Chef (24 years with Sumo)
- Chef Gilbert, Executive Chef (17 years with Sumo)
Our story has never been about trends; it’s about trust,
says Julianne.
In a city that keeps evolving, we’re proud to be a place that feels like home.
Celebrating Through Connection and Creativity
As part of the lead-up to the anniversary celebration at Town Centre Jumeirah, Sumo is hosting a series of experiences that celebrate community and culture:
- The Bento Art Festival: A playful, family-focused event where children and parents design their own bento boxes, share time together, and celebrate creativity. Highlights include a Best Bento Box Competition, a traditional matcha tea ceremony, and interactive workshops.
- Chef’s Special Collaboration: A limited-time culinary partnership between Sumo’s Executive Chefs and a celebrated Emirati chef, blending Japanese precision with local flavors.
- The Limited-Edition OG Box: A collector’s tribute to 25 years of flavor, available until January 2026, symbolizing Sumo’s anniversary theme, From our heart to your plate. For 25 years, Sumo Sushi & Bento has been part of Dubai’s story, a place where families have grown up, memories have been made, and good food has always meant good company.
As the brand celebrates this milestone, it continues 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.
News Source: Belvedere Marketing & PR
