Move over, sushi rolls – there's a new Japanese culinary sensation making waves in the fast-casual dining market. Onigilly Japanese Kitchen, a San Francisco-based restaurant concept specializing in traditional onigiri rice balls, is poised to revolutionize quick-service dining with its unique, health-conscious approach.

The innovative franchise is set to dramatically expand its footprint, planning to open 15-20 new locations in 2026 after experiencing remarkable success in its current markets. With a projected $2 million in revenue for 2025 and impressive double-digit traffic growth, Onigilly has proven that these seaweed-wrapped rice balls are more than just a passing trend.

Founder Koji Kanematsu has a clear mission: to introduce Americans to onigiri as a convenient, nutritious alternative to traditional fast food. The concept, which features rice balls filled with ingredients like salmon, tuna, and fresh vegetables, is already a beloved grab-and-go staple in Japan and is now making its mark in California.

The company's growth strategy is particularly noteworthy, with one franchise location currently operational and five additional franchisees having already signed leases. After receiving California franchise approval in September, Onigilly is taking a hands-on approach to expansion, actively helping franchisees identify and secure prime real estate locations.

San Francisco and San Jose locations have already demonstrated the concept's potential, with the San Francisco restaurant experiencing a remarkable 28 percent traffic increase and the San Jose location seeing an 18 percent growth. These numbers suggest that Kanematsu's vision of bringing onigiri into the mainstream is rapidly becoming a reality.

As the fast-casual dining landscape continues to evolve, Onigilly represents an exciting fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine and modern American eating habits. By offering a healthier, more innovative alternative to standard quick-service options, the franchise is not just selling food – it's introducing a new culinary experience to American diners.