History of ZenShu

The concept for ZenShu began in early 2005 by Wilson and Jon, when Wilson approached Jon with the idea of starting their own business. The initial idea was for a sports bar that served asian-fusion dishes. Sushi was an option, but was seen as a minor component and they were looking to contract it out. However, once they met and got to know Ryuji, in 2007, who is a top level sushi chef, they became interested in presenting him an opportunity to join in on the venture. Seeing the opportunity to run his own sushi bar and be a part owner of a new business, Ryuji decided to take the leap and boarded the ZenShu train. With Ryuji now a third partner, the dynamic of the venture evolved. It transformed from a sports bar to a restaurant that supported sports events.

After a long and arduous road, the site for ZenShu was finally found at the old Harpo’s Pizza building and construction began in the summer of 2008. ZenShu officially opened on Friday, November 7, 2008.

How did the Word ZenShu come about?

The word “ZenShu” literally means a collection of historical works or writings. Needless to say, we came about the word ZenShu through different means. Wilson wanted to keep the business name consistent with balance and harmony, and the word “Zen” appealed to both he an Jon. Sake in Japanese is also called Nihon-shu, with “shu” meaning sake. So, Jon took the “Zen” and the “Shu”, and stuck them together.

Not your “Typical” Izakaya Restaurant

Many people have the notion that ZenShu is a traditional Japanese izakaya restaurant. This is not true. In fact, ZenShu is pretty atypical. Though they serve food the izakaya way (shared dishes), the dishes themselves are all unique in some way or another. Part-Owner and Executive Chef Wilson Chan has taken different flavors and styles of cooking from all types of ethnicities and made it his own. You can find Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and Vietnamese influences in many of the dishes.