Uoki K. Sakai is the oldest grocery store in San Francisco’s Japantown and was founded by Kitaichi Sakai shortly after San Francisco’s 1906 earthquake.
It is now run by third-generation owner, Robert Sakai.
Kitaichi Sakai arrived from Japan in the 1890s as a cook and fish peddler selling wares from a horse and buggy.
After the 1906 earthquake, he purchased a building on Geary Street and began selling fresh fish and imported Japanese food items. After the war ended, the family was able to return to San Francisco and resume business at his original (and present day) address on 1656 Post Street.
Kitaichi Sakai arrived from Japan in the 1890s as a cook and fish peddler selling wares from a horse and buggy.
After the 1906 earthquake, he purchased a building on Geary Street and began selling fresh fish and imported Japanese food items. After the war ended, the family was able to return to San Francisco and resume business at his original (and present day) address on 1656 Post Street.