Rooted in Resilience: A Grandson’s Reflections on the Gondo Legacy

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In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the President’s Lecture Series will present a conversation with Robert Gondo, President of Tokyo Gardens Company, at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 29, in the TDECU Tour Room, Welcome Center. Complimentary lunch will be provided.

Gondo will share the remarkable story of his grandparents, Eugene and Hisako Gondo, who overcame internment during World War II to introduce Japanese cuisine and culture to Texas. They opened Houston’s very first Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, Tokyo Gardens, in 1966, which showcased authentic architecture, traditional performances, and Japanese fare. Today, their legacy lives on through Tokyo Gardens Catering, which supplies sushi to hundreds of H-E-B locations across the state. A true Houston legend!