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Three years after opening Kaki Japanese Cuisine in a 22 foot food trailer on East Carroll Street, husband and wife team Fisca and Thuy Kharisma are moving to a brick and mortar location.

The Kharismas hope to be in their new location, 1802 North Jackson Street, Suite 675 (behind Chick fil-A), in March. Construction on the 78 seat restaurant began September 22nd.

The route to Tullahoma for the Kharismas was a long and winding one. Fisca worked as a Hibachi and Sushi chef for 12 plus years in several Japanese restaurants. Thuy has 18 plus years in the food industry rising from cashier to restaurant manager.

Here is their story in their own words.

“In 2017, we launched our dream in Oregon with an 8′ x 16′ trailer purchased with our personal savings serving freshly cooked hibachi on wheels. After years working in high end hibachi restaurants, we were determined to make quality meals more affordable and accessible so people could enjoy them more often.”

“In May, 2018 we reinvested our initial profits to purchase a 20 foot food truck to expand capacity. This allowed us to better serve catering, weddings, festivals and other events.”

“In November, 2019 we accepted an opportunity to take over a vacant restaurant and transitioned to a brick and mortar operation. Three months after our grand opening, COVID forced dining closures. Despite the challenges and, with the community’s support, we kept the restaurant viable by focusing on takeout and delivery.”

“We were married in August, 2020 and opened another food truck location in Oregon.”

“Wanting a safer, friendlier environment and better business prospects, we researched several states and selected Tennessee. After multiple visits throughout 2021, we chose Tullahoma as the best location for our family and our business.”

“We relocated to Tullahoma in February of 2022 and opened Kaki Japanese Cuisine on East Carroll Street six months later. Our business growth in Tullahoma gave us the confidence to purchase a 22 foot mobile truck. This allowed us to take our food to more customers and target weddings, large events, and corporate events, which allowed us to improve cash flow.”

“In April, 2023 we invested most of our profit into another 24 foot food trailer to operate a second Kaki permanent location.”

By 2025 we were blessed with the opportunity to establish a brick and mortar location in a prime, central location in Tullahoma fulfilling our goal to serve the community from a permanent home. Being in a brick and mortar will also allow us to expand our menu by adding some Vietnamese cuisine, including Pho and other specialty dishes for the community.”

As excited as the Kharismas are to be in their permanent location, based on social media reaction customers are just as excited. Following are some recent posts:

“My favorite place”, “Looking forward to the expanded menu”, “I have been waiting so long for this announcement. I can’t wait to sit in your own restaurant and have your amazing food”, “Yay! This is exciting news”, “I can’t wait for the Vietnamese cuisine.”

The food truck on East Carroll Street will move to another city once the restaurant is open.

Hours at the current East Carroll Street food trailer location are Monday-Thursday 11am to 8pm, Friday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday noon to 8 p.m.