Kura Sushi, Inc. (くら寿司) is a Japanese conveyor belt sushi restaurant chain.[6][7] It is the second largest sushi restaurant chain in Japan, behind Sushiro and ahead of Hama Sushi.[8] Its headquarters are in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture.[9] It has 543 locations in Japan, 56 in Taiwan, and 69 in the United States.[10]
Kura Sushi opened its first international location in Taiwan in December 2014 near Songjiang Nanjing metro station in Taipei.
Kura has implemented various methods of automation to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. For instance, the use of conveyor belts that carry sushi to diners reduces the need for waiters.[12] Additionally, at some of Kura Sushi's locations, a robot called "KuraB the Kurabot" delivers foods, beverages, and other items to customers.[13]
Kura Sushi has also featured decorations and menu items based on characters from Sonic the Hedgehog, Hello Kitty, One Piece, Pikmin, and Peanuts. By inserting a certain number of plates into a receptacle, customers can trigger custom animations or win prizes during their dining experience.[14]
During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the company received $6 million in forgivable loans intended for small businesses from the U.S. government through the Paycheck Protection Program.[15] The funds were distributed as part of the government's $2.2 trillion CARES Act and intended to benefit workers at employers with fewer than 500 employees that are unable to obtain credit elsewhere.[15] The loan was returned immediately after criticized.
