Kuma Concepts Co., Ltd.
Traditional x Modern Authentic Mexican “KUMA CANTINA” Grand opening in front of Higashi Nakano Station on May 11, 2024
Launched by former COO of Uber and various food delivery services with roots in Mexico to convey “true Mexican” to Japan
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KUMA CONCEPTS INC. (Headquarters: Nakano-ku, Tokyo; Founder and CEO: Daniel Valencia) will open its first Mexican dining restaurant, “KUMA CANTINA,” where you can enjoy traditional and modern authentic Mexican cuisine, in 2024. We will have a grand opening on Saturday, May 11th near Higashi-Nakano Station in Nakano-ku, Tokyo (3 minutes walk from Higashi-Nakano Station on the Sobu Line).
[Image 1: https://prtimes.jp/i/142118/1/resize/d142118-1-da9766d352768522590e-1.jpg&s3=142118-1-b0214fe281fc819da3e9d91ed528ff25-3900×2925.jpg] KUMA CANTINA was born out of a desire to change the limited
interpretation of “Mexican food = tacos and Tex-Mex (Americanized Mexican food)” and bring more authentic Mexican food to Japan. Founder and CEO Daniel Valencia, who has Mexican roots, has created a more realistic and enjoyable experience by blending modern Mexican cuisine and creativity with traditional Mexican cuisine that he nostalgically remembers as “the taste of his mother.” “will deliver.
We are passionate about delivering authentic, fresh, and high-quality Mexican food here in Japan, and offer menus made using high-quality ingredients and authentic spices that embody “real Mexico.” I am. We manufacture authentic tortillas in-house, which are rarely seen in Japan. By making the most of Japan’s amazing seafood and incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients into our dishes, we create unique, vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine with a Japanese touch. What’s more, KUMA CANTINA is more than just a place to eat and drink. We are bringing a new dining experience to Japan, combining authentic flavors, a modern, relaxed atmosphere, a homey, community-centered atmosphere, and an iconic brand image from New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
As a brand that values connection, creativity, and fun, we look forward to welcoming local residents and anyone seeking authentic Mexican cuisine and a new dining experience.
■Comment from Founder and CEO Daniel Valencia
We are very happy to be able to grand open KUMA CANTINA this time. Tokyo’s food scene is diverse and constantly evolving. However, as the world’s largest metropolis with 38 million people and more than 160,000 restaurants, there is a severe lack of quality, authentic Mexican restaurants. As of 2023, there are more than 150 Mexican restaurants in central Tokyo (23 wards) alone, but there is a strong impression of tacos and Americanized Mexican food, and I feel that “real Mexican food” has not yet penetrated Japanese people. I am. Through KUMA CANTINA, we are very much looking forward to sharing traditional and modern authentic Mexican cuisine and its culture with everyone.
■Daniel Valencia Profile
[Image 2: https://prtimes.jp/i/142118/1/resize/d142118-1-f290ff5f19aa4e5b5ec3-2.jpg&s3=142118-1-43e06afb2b84a35e95f843c6f7bbd753-2101×2700.jpg] Founder and CEO of KUMA CONCEPTS INC. Raised in America with a Mexican mother. Since moving to Japan in 2017 as the operations manager for Uber’s launch in Japan, he has been responsible for the operations of numerous food delivery companies in Japan, including FOODNEKO and foodpanda, as COO. He fell in love with Japan and continued to live there even after leaving the company. He is also active as a DJ. Missing the taste of her mother, she worked hard to create Mexican cuisine, and began holding events where she served Mexican cuisine that blended her creativity. Seeing the happy faces of our guests, I felt that “I want to spread more authentic Mexican cuisine, international, modern, and enjoyable dining experiences to Japan,” and in May 2024, I opened Mexican Dining “Mexican Dining” where you can enjoy traditional and modern authentic Mexican cuisine. Opened the first KUMA CANTINA store.
■Photo gallery
[Image 3: https://prtimes.jp/i/142118/1/resize/d142118-1-189b892af9abba67fc5a-0.png&s3=142118-1-483b9b9aab6fc40d03f334da08c92eb2-1100×695.png ]
■KUMA CANTINA Overview
▪️Store name: KUMA CANTINA
▪️Location: FAITH 1F, 3-2-7 Higashinakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0003 ▪️Number of seats: 30 seats, 74 square meters (excluding terrace) ▪️Phone number: 03-5497-8998
▪️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumacantina/
(Reservations can be made via DM)
▪️Business hours: Tuesday-Sunday 17:00-23:00
More details about this release:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000142118.html