Meet Jason Kim, Owner of Jason’s Toridasu!

Located at 3800 City Avenue (in Presidential City Apartments),

Jason’s Toridasu offers a new menu of rice bowls, burgers, wraps, and more.

In Japanese, the word Toridasu  means “take out”.

Jason wanted to have a creative spin on the restaurant’s name.

Check out his interview below to learn more about Jason and his growing restaurant.

Instagram: Jason’s Toridasu

How did Jason’s Toridasu came to be?

We used to be a take-out sushi restaurant in the Main Line area for the past 5 years but with things changing very quickly, we had to evolve and adapt. Menus we have are the best sellers from our other restaurants in the area. We are no longer a sushi take-out restaurant.

What is your role at Jason’s Toridasu?

I am the Owner & Operator of Jason’s Toridasu.

Before working at Jason’s Toridasu, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

When I was in South Korea about 10 years ago, I taught English there for about 6 months. It was the best time of my life. Reason why I think it was the most interesting job I have ever had is because I met my wife there.

How has Jason’s Toridasu helped you in your career development?

I have been running my own business for the past 8 years and Jason’s Toridasu is probably the most well known business of mine.

If you could switch your job with anyone else within Jason’s Toridasu, whose job would you want?

It’s hard to answer because my job is everyone else’s job. I have to do pretty much everything within my restaurant just like every other small business owner.

What are 3 words to describe Jason’s Toridasu?

Clean, Fun, Awesome.

What drew you to Jason’s Toridasu originally? And how has Jason’s Toridasu changed since?

Toridasu means take-out. I wanted to have an interesting business name. Jason’s takeout joint isn’t as interesting as Jason’s Toridasu. We have changed from take-out sushi restaurant to made-to-order burgers and wraps restaurant with our Rice Bowl options.

What is your favorite item on the menu at Jason’s Toridasu?

I personally love our rice bowls. As a Korean-American, I grew up eating rice and anything with rice, I love.

What is your favorite part about working for Jason’s Toridasu?

It’s a family owned and operated business. Working with my mom and my wife everyday is something I cherish and absolutely love.

What is your proudest moment at Jason’s Toridasu?

When we expanded our business from a 500 sq. ft. takeout restaurant to 3000 sq. ft. restaurant at the City Ave location, it was probably the proudest moment at Jason’s Toridasu.

Favorite travel spot?

I like our local museums.

How do you define success?

I don’t know. Success can be defined in million different ways depending on who you talk to but thinking about it, I can only think of one thing. If you like where you are in life, I think you are successful. I find it very hard to “like” where you are in life.

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It will have to be chicken. I LOVE chicken. Every kind!

What book did you read last?

It was something about psychology. I don’t remember the name of the book but it was a pretty short and interesting read.

What did you want to be when growing up?

I wanted to have a 9 to 5 job growing up. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do exactly but I never dreamt of opening my own business.

What do you always want to try and never did?

I am pretty lucky to say that I tried everything I wanted. Not everything successfully and not everything was fun but at least I can cherish the experience.

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

I would buy myself an Island and just stay there for 3 months without the internet.

What is your favorite thing to do in the area? 

I live in the Presidential City Apartment where Jason’s Toridasu is located and inside, there is a pool. I love hanging out there.

You’re happiest when?

When my wife is HAPPY!

Is there anything special about City Ave that you can share?

I remember when I came to America about 30 years ago, my dad, while driving to somewhere, pointed to the old Channel 10 and Channel 6 stations. Ever since then I just had a weird feeling that I would do something here someday. It took 30 years but I am here finally. I love the area, love the people and love how close we are to everywhere.

Want to be featured in the next issue of Faces of City Ave? Email Briana at cityave@cityave.org.