Today we’d like to introduce you to Hiro Saito.
Hiro, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Japan and, although I love my country, for as long as I can remember I have been drawn to American culture. I grew up watching American movies and listening to American music. So after graduating High School, I decided to move to the states. I was interested in pursuing a career in the arts and spent some time doing photography and filmmaking. During that time, I was also getting a lot of experience is the restaurant industry and began to enjoy that work. I became the manager of one of the busiest restaurants in the San Fernando Valley, Hugo’s in Studio City. Hugo’s had a great concept in that it serves many different types of foods that meet a variety of different dietary needs. It was there that I saw a significant need for more gluten free foods.
In 2013, there was a devastating earthquake in Fukushima Japan where my family is from. The fear of losing them made me want to do more than just talk with them once a month. I suggested to my family, that we expand the several bakeries that they were operating there and we open up one in the states and extend the family business. This way I am in constant communication with them and although we’re thousands of miles apart, we are running a business together and we talk almost daily now.
Running my own store, Kirari West in Redondo Beach, has allowed me to incorporate several of my skills and passions into one venture.
I am able to be creative in my baking as well as in the photography on my website, I am providing delicious gluten-free food that is healthy for all individuals including those with gluten allergies. I am utilizing my years of experience running a restaurant and last and most importantly, I am able to have a much closer connection day to day with my family back in Japan.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Although I’ve successfully managed restaurants in the past, this was the first experience I’ve had opening up my own store from the very beginning. Finding a location, obtaining permits, issues with finances and ongoing construction woes were all extremely challenging as I was learning all of it as I went along.
Making excellent quality gluten-free product that is soft and moist and universally enjoyed regardless of any gluten allergy was also challenging but incredibly rewarding when we succeeded.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kirari West story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a 100% gluten-free bakery and cafe. Our mission, to serve quality ingredients with craftsmanship and sincerity, is very much a part of our day to day at Kirari. All of our products are made from high quality GMO free ingredients. We have bakers who use their craftsman to ensure our products are delicious in both appearance and taste and finally, we believe it’s incredibly important to serve our customers and surrounding community with sincerity through attentive and caring service.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The good luck I’ve had with Kirari West initially appeared to be not-so-good luck. When I set out to open my business, I looked at many locations throughout LA County. There were a few that I was very interested in, but nothing seemed to be working out. Finally, when I discovered the location in South Bay, in Redondo Beach, everything started to come together. It felt like this was the right place for the first Kirari West store. My employees and I have always felt welcome in the area and feel lucky to be in this very supportive and locally minded community.
Contact Info:
- Address: Kirari West
707 N Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 - Website: kirariwest.com
- Phone: 310-376-5313
- Email: [email protected]
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