Sarku Japan, the largest Japanese quick-service restaurant chain in the U.S., will take its sizzling teriyaki and made-to-order sushi from mall food courts to the streets.

On June 25th, Sarku Japan will open its new free-standing concept, Teriyaki and Sushi Express in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Touting the brand promise “Fresh Happens Here,” the restaurant will feature chefs preparing made-to-order sushi and signature teriyaki recipes on a Teppanyaki grill, fresh for guests to enjoy. The Capitol Heights franchise, located at Steeplchase 95, will be Sarku Japan’s second in Maryland, with another slated to open in White Oak in July.

Local franchisee, Sam Oh, a native of Korea and a Virginia resident, spent many years as a music producer for Korean pop music. Driven by his love for Sarku Japan’s Asian cuisine and fascination with the restaurant industry, he decided to partner with his aunt, Hyun Ki Chung, who owns four franchise restaurants in Korea, in opening a Sarku Japan franchise.

“Hyun and I are thrilled to be opening a Sarku Japan Teriyaki and Sushi Express in the D.C. area,” Oh says. “We’re confident that we’ve made a smart investment and are pleased to be offering the community a healthier alternative to traditional fast food. Sarku Japan’s authentic Japanese cuisine is trans-fat free and contains no MSG.”

“Many of our franchisees have made career changes with their decision to open a Sarku Japan franchise,” says Bruce Kim, director of franchise development. “We have former bankers, technical engineers, and sales and marketing professionals all finding success in owning and operating their own restaurant.”

With the popularity of healthy Japanese quick-service food like teriyaki and sushi on the rise, there has never been a better time to open a Sarku Japan franchise, Kim says. The company offers franchisee support in all areas including training, operations, and marketing.