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Japanese cheesecake concept teams up with Panda Restaurant Group to open in Hawaii

Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake, an international bakery, is opening its first U.S. location.

February 24, 2016

Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake, an international bakery, is opening its first U.S. location in Honolulu. The establishment, located on the second level food court of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center at 2233 Kalakaua Ave., will open March 1 and is in partnership with Panda Restaurant Group, which owns Panda Express, Panda Inn and Hibachi-San, according to a company press release.

Founded in Hakata, Japan in 1985, by Tetsushi Mizokami, Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake is widely known for its cheesecakes that are baked fresh in small batches daily.

"Since I started my first restaurant in Hakata, we have been working diligently to share our tasty Japanese cheesecakes with the rest of the world and have opened over 80 stores across the globe," said Tetsushi Mizokami, president of Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake. "Expanding into the U.S. has been a dream for our family-owned business and we are honored to have the chance to grow our fan base here in Honolulu."

Mizokami said the secret to his desserts is in the ingredients and method that he developed from helping at his father's sweets shop as a young boy.

The Honolulu location will serve Mizokami's original Japanese cheesecake, cheesecake biscotti, cookies, along with tea at the Tea Bar.

"We look forward to the opportunity to work with Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake and support its growth within the U.S. market," said Andrew Cherng, who owns the new concept with his wife, Peggy. The couple also owns Panda Restaurant Group. "Through this partnership we will offer our Panda insight and culture-building expertise to help make Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake the go-to destination for authentic Asian dessert options."

In addition to the Honolulu location, the Cherngs are also set to open another Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake restaurant in Arcadia, California.