Sushi chain founder 'Ricky San' dies at 57

Ricky Cheng Wai-tao, founder of popular local chain Itacho Sushi, has passed away in Japan after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 57.

Known as "Ricky San" for his knowledge of Japanese dining culture, Cheng achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first foreigner to top Japan's auction for bluefin tuna for four consecutive years from 2008.

Cheng's culinary journey began when he studied in Japan during his early years. He returned to Hong Kong in 1989 and embarked on a catering career by opening a Japanese pancake shop - Pancake House - in 1992. Cheng operated 20 branches at the chain's peak.

But after the pancake craze waned, he closed down the business.

In 1996, Cheng also introduced the franchise Ajisen Ramen, focusing on tonkotsu ramen.

In 2004, Cheng established Itamae Sushi, which he expanded by opening his first branch in the Akabane district of Tokyo in 2007.

The same year marked the launch of his high-end sushi restaurant, Itacho Sushi, which quickly gained popularity among patrons seeking exquisite Japanese cuisine.

Cheng's two sushi restaurant chains reportedly generated an annual income of over HK$40 million.

He also appeared as the host of the food TV show Delicious Japan Series, alongside stars such as Ella Koon Yun-na, Suki Chui Suk-man and food critic Benny Li Shun-yan.

The drama Wasabi Mon Amour, starring Michael Do Tai-yu, drew inspiration from Cheng's life.

In 2008, Cheng made headlines by becoming the first non-Japanese to win the top bluefin tuna at an auction, bidding HK$430,000.

He also won in the next three years with bids of HK$840,000, HK$1.36 million and HK$3.08 million - further enhancing the reputation of his sushi establishments.

Cheng's success was marred by a lawsuit in 2017. Business partner Jason Poon Ka-man, marketing and executive director of the Ajisen Group, accused Cheng of secretly opening a separate branch of Itamae Sushi and a similar restaurant called Itacho Sushi.

Poon alleged that Cheng's actions deceived shareholders and breached his directorial responsibilities.

During court proceedings, Cheng revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

adelyn.lau@singtaonewscorp.com