By Ryan Hecht, Greater Arvada Chamber VP of Marketing and Communications
Editor’s note: See bottom of post for details on the Member of the Month selection process and to nominate your business.
The Greater Arvada Chamber is proud to recognize Kokoro Restaurant as our September Member of the Month! For nearly 40 years, Kokoro has served authentic, comforting Japanese food with a focus on community, family, and heart. Led by owner Mas Torito, Kokoro’s Arvada location has been a staple in the community for 25 years, welcoming guests with a casual, family-friendly environment and a team that truly loves what they do.
“Arvada has always seemed to be eager for good food and a family-friendly environment to go out, have good food and be with family and friends,” said Mas. “It’s a perfect place for Kokoro!”
Learn more about Kokoro’s story, their dedicated staff, and the values that have helped them thrive in Arvada.
How did you get started in the food industry?
Mas: Kokoro was started with my family in 1986 and I have been operating them since 2008. I never thought I would find myself in the restaurants that I grew up in, but after time in other industries and other states, I found myself back for what was supposed to be only a few months. Being with employees I grew up with and seeing a need for daily control of operations, I knew it was the place for me. It’s been great to be here and work passionately to make a good environment for our employees and customers. It’s about who you are around and what we do together that matters most.
What is unique about Kokoro?
When we opened in 1986, people were not as informed about Japanese food. Sushi was pretty much all that was available and it was very expensive. But Kokoro has been different. Kokoro means “heart” or “spirit” and that’s what we have always strived to provide our guests. A casual, welcoming space and food that is delicious, healthy, and comforting. We have always strived to bring “Mom and Dad’s food” home from Japan and to your table at a price you can afford.
What is special about the team you have here?
Our team is amazing. Our long-standing server has been awarded as the Server of the Year for the state of Colorado in 2021, our Head Chef has been serving classic Japanese food in Denver for over 40 years, and our Kitchen Manager has been holding down our kitchen (and 4 kids of her own) for over 20 years. And that is just 3 of our amazing team of 20 employees. We love our people and our people love our guests.
What advice would you give to a new organization or entrepreneur in Arvada?
I’ve learned that learning not only always occurs, but that the best learning includes more follow-up questions. And that means the best approach is to always be curious and open-minded. With that in mind, the advice to new businesses… be curious, but also be confident in what you want. Being curious doesn’t mean being rudderless. Be aware of what comes your way, but stay true to your vision.
How have you been resilient to the many challenges for the restaurant industry in the last 40 years?
Change is the name of the game in restaurants. It’s not about being big, it’s about being fast. We keep learning that we have to be fast to learn and grow. 9/11, the economy crash in 2008, COVID, and the rise of 3rd party delivery. Most challenges are possible to overcome, but only if you are nimble when deciding what to do and quickly implementing those changes, while staying true to who you are.
What are some misconceptions about your work?
That the industry isn’t family-friendly. Although many restaurants are surrounded with alcohol, late hours, and young staff, many family-owned restaurants put a different approach. I grew up in the restaurant with the staff helping raise me and my sister, some of our staff have met their spouses working at our restaurant, and second generations have also found themselves working with us as well. Making a restaurant family-friendly, not just for our guests, but also our staff, has been part of our success and we are not alone. Many other restaurants have followed this same approach and that is why they are successful.
What have you learned about serving the people of Arvada?
I’ve learned that many other business owners have learned to see other businesses as part of a collective success. Yes, business by nature is competitive, but being kind, helpful, and sharing both resources and information can lead to a lot of success for all of us. Arvada businesses are all about raising all boats.
What is your favorite business book, podcast or news resource?
Science of Service is a great podcast for restaurant operators. I also listen to the Huberman Lab to help keep me balanced and in touch with my health.
What have you found most valuable about your Greater Arvada Chamber membership?
The resources. You get out what you put in maybe at first, but a little bit of leaning in really opens the door to people, information, resources, and a sense of community.
Being a business owner sometimes is a lonely experience, especially after COVID, but being involved in the Chamber and other organizations really helps create friendships and networks of other business owners. It helps us all realize we are not alone with our struggles, concerns, values, and priorities. And knowing that there are others who understand what you are going through can be huge in helping us all strive.
Kokoro Restaurant
5535 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO
The Greater Arvada Chamber Member of the Month is nominated and selected by our Business Services team. The Member of the Month recognizes active members that are deeply engaged in the Chamber’s programs and leadership; celebrating an important milestone, and/or; have a compelling story worthy of a spotlight to our community. Please submit nominations for your business or non-profit at this link.
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