Kikku Japanese Food was chosen as the winner of Downtown Fresno Foundation’s inaugural Restaurant Makeover Competition, and this weekend work took place to transform the 14 year old Japanese food restaurant.
It showed off the new look at a Reveal Party for sponsors, board members and members of the media.
The event featured a ribbon cutting, live music, remarks and recognition of sponsors, participants, and of course, the winner.
5 finalists competed to win a $25,000 prize package that includes:
- $2,500 cash prize to pay for materials and supplies (Downtown Fresno Partnership)
- 5 hours of interior design consultation services to create a concept design (Core Business Interiors)
- Drywall services and design/cosmetic consultation including the space, layout of the floorplan, and aesthetics (Custom Drywall)
- Custom TV scheduling and digital ad campaign on YourCentralValley.com, production of a TV commercial, interviews on Central Valley Today, and promotions on show and station Facebook page (KSEE24)
- Full suite of marketing/branding including creation of a brand image; Logo design; Website design including 6 months maintenance, SEO, training on website maintenance; promotional post card design; Creation of social media presence; Custom social media graphics; 3 months social media maintenance; 2 hours social media training; Menu design; Table tent card design; Business card design (Luxe Creative Strategies)
- Flooring options (Innovation Commercial Flooring)
- Exterior renovation grant to improve storefront façade or signage (Next Generation Philanthropy)
All prizes were generously donated by community partners and local businesses.
The contestants were evaluated on three criteria: People’s Choice online voting, scoring by a panel of judges, and ability to meet program requirements (including creation of a Downtown Fresno-themed menu item). Online voting generated great community support as over 2,000 people cast their votes to determine the contest winner. Kikku’s menu item is Downtown Spicy Teriyaki Chicken served with signature Kikku brown sauce.
The other finalists were Los Panchos, Joe’s Steakhouse, Lily’s Café and Raizana Teas.
Kikku Japanese Restaurant: 14 years ago, Kikku Japanese Restaurant opened their doors at 2336 Tulare Street. Andri and Sylvia Wahyudi wanted to see downtown grow and be part of the revitalization of downtown Fresno. Since then, they’ve worked hard to provide the throngs of hungry lunch-seekers with fresh, healthy, and tasty meals- paired with genuine and heartfelt customer service. Among the things on their wish list for a makeover they list new signage, modern menu boards, new chairs, and other decorative elements.
The Downtown Fresno Foundation is the charitable (501(c)3) arm of the Downtown Fresno Partnership. It is dedicated to improving our community by developing projects, programs and activities that support economic development, revitalization and community engagement within downtown Fresno’s central business district. This support includes but is not limited to funding, events, marketing, competitions, research, project management, job creation/retention, strategic partnerships, asset acquisition and environmental enhancements.
The Downtown Fresno Partnership is a Property-based Business Improvement District which serves the City of Fresno; the business community; Fulton Mall and other Downtown merchants; public and private agencies; and the community at large through leadership, partnership and advocacy.
More information can be found on the website at www.downtownfresno.org/foundation.
