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In the heart of Massachusetts, where charming towns like Canton, Medfield, and Wayland form close-knit communities, there’s a man whose name has become synonymous with warmth, hospitality, and exceptional Japanese cuisine. His name is Jacky Zheng, and he is the heartbeat of Takara Japanese Restaurant—a treasure trove of flavor, family, and community.

But the story of Jacky Zheng is not just about sushi or business growth. It’s about resilience, relationships, and redefining what success looks like in America. For locals, Takara is a beloved dining destination. But for those who know Jacky Zheng, it’s clear: the food is just one part of the story.

From Zero to Takara

He started from the bottom—cleaning restrooms, mopping floors, and washing dishes in various restaurants across the state. His introduction to sushi was accidental. One day, someone at a sushi bar asked, “Do you want to learn?” Without hesitation, he said yes.

That simple question changed his life.

From that moment forward, Jacky Zheng dove headfirst into mastering Japanese cuisine. He trained under seasoned chefs, absorbed everything he could, and slowly but surely began imagining a place of his own.

Fast forward a few years and that dream took shape in the form of a tiny 700-square-foot restaurant in Canton. Today, that one humble restaurant has grown into three vibrant locations under the Takara Japanese Restaurant banner—each one deeply embedded in its community, each one built on the belief that people come first.

“Takara” Means Treasure — But Not the Kind You Think

The word “Takara” (宝) means treasure in Japanese. When you walk into any Takara location, that name feels earned. But for Jacky Zheng, treasure doesn’t mean fame or fortune. It means people.

It’s the families who return week after week, the elderly couples who sit at the same table, the high school teams who gather post-game, and the children who once came in strollers and now return from college with friends in tow.

As Jacky Zheng says often, “We are nothing without our community.” It’s not a slogan. It’s the way he lives.

Hospitality Rooted in Memory

What sets Jacky Zheng apart as a restaurant owner isn’t just his food—it’s the way he makes people feel.

He has a gift: he remembers names, orders, and even life events. If he doesn’t recall your name, he’ll remember how you like your sushi roll. That kind of detail, that personal touch—it’s rare.

During an interview with a local journalist, Jacky Zheng shared how the Medfield location came to be: a loyal customer suggested it. He listened, found the site, and opened a second restaurant. That customer-first approach has become Takara’s signature recipe.

Even as he moves from table to table, there’s a rhythm to his presence—checking in with the kitchen, greeting regulars, adjusting chairs, offering suggestions to new diners. The vibe feels less like a business and more like an extended family gathering.

Takara’s Growth in Numbers

While the soul of Takara is built on connection, the numbers tell an impressive story of consistent growth and community loyalty:

These numbers are strong, but for Jacky Zheng, the real measure of success is seeing the same faces, year after year.

Family: The Real Business Partners

Every great restaurateur needs a great partner, and for Jacky Zheng, that’s his wife, Susie Zheng.

From day one, Susie has been an essential part of Takara’s foundation. While Jacky runs the dining floor, Susie manages the operations, handles supplier negotiations, and supports team logistics—all while raising two daughters and maintaining the harmony of a household.

Their daughters, now in seventh and eighth grade, have started helping out in the restaurants. Whether it’s setting tables, greeting guests, or jumping in when a shift is short-staffed, they’ve grown up immersed in the Takara ethos of community, humility, and service.

For Jacky Zheng, this isn’t just a restaurant business—it’s a family legacy.

Community First — Always

True to his word, Jacky Zheng has poured time and heart into giving back.

Earlier this year, the Medfield High School basketball and hockey teams won state championships. Many of the athletes’ families were regulars at Takara. Without hesitation, Jacky Zheng hosted a private lunch for the students—about 30 of them—and treated them to a post-win celebration.

He even scheduled the lunch to align with their school period so no one had to skip class.

These aren’t marketing stunts. These are the kinds of thoughtful acts that define who Jacky Zheng is.

A Place for Milestones and Memories

Takara’s impact goes beyond food. Birthdays, proposals, anniversaries, college acceptances—they’ve all been celebrated at one of the Zheng family’s restaurants.

One local couple who met at Takara now returns every anniversary to the same table.

Parents who used to bring their toddlers now come in with high schoolers. And college students home for break often message friends, “Let’s meet at Takara.”

For Jacky Zheng, these stories are the real reward. Every time someone chooses Takara for a milestone, it reaffirms why he does what he does.

How Humility Powers Leadership

Unlike celebrity chefs who dominate Instagram or restaurateurs chasing franchise deals, Jacky Zheng doesn’t crave the spotlight.

He doesn’t broadcast his achievements. He doesn’t brag about his empire. Instead, he gets up every morning and simply asks, “How can I make people feel welcome today?”

This kind of leadership—quiet, steady, humble—is rare and powerful.

He also empowers his team. Several employees have been with Takara for over a decade. That loyalty doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through respect, fair treatment, and mutual care.

Addressing the Critics: Why Not Expand More?

Some observers wonder why Jacky Zheng hasn’t opened more locations or turned Takara into a national franchise.

But Jacky has a clear stance.

“We grow only as fast as we can keep our promise. If I can’t remember your name or your favorite order anymore, we’ve grown too fast,” he says.

That mindset may seem limiting in a world of aggressive business scaling—but it’s exactly why Takara has retained its soul. Each new location is opened only when Jacky Zheng feels confident that the team, culture, and community relationships will remain intact.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Jacky Zheng?

Even with three successful restaurants, Jacky Zheng isn’t slowing down. But his goals aren’t about expansion—they’re about enrichment.

Some of his future plans include:

• Launching a seasonal chef’s table night to highlight lesser-known Japanese dishes
• Creating a scholarship program for Takara employees pursuing culinary or hospitality degrees
• Offering internships for high school students interested in entrepreneurship
• Starting a mentorship program for immigrant entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry

These plans reflect Jacky Zheng’s commitment to people development, not just profit.

A Final Word From Jacky

As our interview wrapped up, Jacky Zheng returned with a massive sushi platter—colorful, fresh, and hand-crafted with care. He wasn’t trying to impress. He was doing what he always does: showing love through service.

“We are nothing without our community,” he said again. “That’s what keeps us going.”

It’s not just a line. It’s the heart of everything he’s built.

Final Thought

In today’s world—where businesses often grow at the expense of people—Jacky Zheng offers a different model.

His story is proof that you don’t need a business degree, a perfect resume, or a five-year exit plan to succeed. You need resilience, respect for others, and a genuine desire to make people feel seen and valued.

Jacky Zheng built a restaurant from the dish pit up. He remembered every name, every story, every regular face along the way. And in doing so, he gave his community something rare: a restaurant that feels like home.