Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Tsoi
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Our journey started with a completely different vision. YATAI first opened its doors as a rolled ice cream shop — a fun and creative way to bring something new to our community. While the ice cream concept was exciting, we quickly realized our space wasn’t being used to its full potential. That’s when we decided to rethink everything.
As a family — my sister, brother-in-law, father, and I — we put our heads together to come up with a fresh idea. Inspired by my deep love for anime and Japanese culture, we transformed our shop into YATAI Ramen + Yakitori, a vibrant spot where Japanese flavors meet bold, creative twists.
We wanted to create more than just a restaurant — we wanted an experience. From the colorful anime-inspired décor to the comforting aroma of simmering broths and sizzling skewers, every detail was designed to immerse our guests in something special.
Our ramen is rich, flavorful, and carefully crafted, while our yakitori offers a unique fusion of traditional Japanese skewer with exciting flavor combinations. It’s our way of blending authenticity with innovation, creating dishes that are both familiar and fresh.
The shift from ice cream to ramen and yakitori wasn’t easy, but working together as a family kept us driven. We spent countless hours perfecting recipes, fine-tuning our menu, and shaping YATAI into what it is today.
Looking back, that decision to pivot was one of the best choices we made. YATAI Ramen + Yakitori has become a place where people gather not just to eat, but to connect, explore new flavors, and experience something memorable.
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and we’re grateful for the amazing support from our community. Whether you’re an anime lover, a ramen enthusiast, or just someone looking to try something new.
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?
Opening YATAI Ramen + Yakitori came with its fair share of challenges, especially since we launched during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It was an incredibly uncertain time — supply chains were disrupted, making it difficult to source key ingredients for our ramen and yakitori dishes. Finding reliable suppliers felt like a constant battle, and hiring staff was equally challenging as many people were hesitant to return to the workforce. Despite these obstacles, we pushed forward, relying on our family’s dedication and creativity to adapt and overcome. Those early struggles shaped who we are today — resilient, resourceful, and deeply committed to providing a great experience to our patrons.
We’ve been impressed with YATAI Ramen + Yakitori, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
YATAI Ramen + Yakitori is more than just a restaurant, it’s a unique dining experience inspired by Japanese street food culture and anime aesthetics. Located in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, we specialize in rich, flavorful ramen and fusion-style yakitori skewers that combine traditional techniques with bold, creative twists.
Our vibrant, anime-themed décor immerses guests in a fun and lively atmosphere, making YATAI a destination not only for food lovers but also for anime enthusiasts seeking a space that reflects their passion. We take pride in our dedication to quality from slow-simmered broths and fresh ingredients to the thoughtful presentation of every dish.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the community we’ve built. Opening during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic came with its challenges, but the overwhelming support from Savannah locals has been incredible. We’ve worked hard to create a space where people can gather, connect, and enjoy their favorite anime shows.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
To stay informed and keep growing both personally and professionally, I rely on a few key resources. I’m a big fan of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, which offers a wide range of thought-provoking conversations with experts in various fields. It’s a great way for me to hear different perspectives on business, life, and current events. I also follow Business Insider for articles that keep me up to date on the latest business trends and developments. Additionally, I use the Yahoo Finance app to stay updated on current events and economic news, which helps me make informed decisions both for my business and in my personal life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yataisavannah.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16MD6qFPcL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
