Lakeland to Open New Sakura Japanese Restaurant

News Summary

Sakura Japanese Restaurant is set to launch its fourth location in the Memphis area, located in Lakeland, Tennessee. The new restaurant, opening June 17, will feature a variety of handcrafted sushi, authentic Asian cuisine, and bubble tea options, all within a modern dining environment. The establishment aims to cater to diverse dining preferences with dine-in and takeout services, reflecting the growth and revitalization efforts in Lakeland’s dining scene.

Lakeland Welcomes New Sakura Japanese Restaurant Opening June 17, 2025

Sakura Japanese Restaurant is set to open its newest location in Lakeland, Tennessee, on June 17, 2025. This new establishment will be the chain’s fourth location in the Memphis area, showcasing a range of handcrafted sushi, authentic Asian cuisine, and bubble tea options.

Restaurant Location and Features

The new Sakura restaurant will be situated at 3665 Canada Road, on the southeast corner of Canada Road and Beverle Rivera Drive, adjacent to a Mobile gas station. The site previously served as a McDonald’s, which relocated to Highway 64 in December 2017, leaving the space vacant for nearly six years.

The new restaurant will feature a modern dining environment complete with a fresh sushi bar, a full dining room experience, and a convenient drive-thru pickup option, along with a dedicated bubble tea station. This design aims to cater to a variety of dining preferences, allowing for sit-down meals, takeout, and a diverse drink menu.

Community Impact and Growth

Owner Victor Chin expressed eagerness to welcome the Lakeland community and emphasized the restaurant’s commitment to providing fresh, handcrafted sushi. Sakura is particularly known for its large sushi rolls, which can easily satisfy two diners, emphasizing their focus on quality dining experiences.

The launch of the new location not only aims to enhance the local dining scene but also aligns with the ongoing growth and development trends in Lakeland. Under the leadership of Mayor Josh Roman, the city is witnessing transformative projects, including the upcoming YMCA Lakeland Recreation Center and new eateries expected to open at Lakeland Town Square.

The Broader Context of Lakeland’s Development

The opening of Sakura coincides with broader urban development initiatives within the city. In addition to the restaurant, Lakeland Town Square is likely to feature medical and dental services, reflecting the community’s evolving needs. The Ashmont Project, a mixed-use development, is also underway, with plans for a grocery store and various businesses anticipated to be revealed by March 2025.

The impending changes in Lakeland are indicative of the city’s ambitions for revitalization and growth, with Sakura’s new location filling the gap left by the previous McDonald’s. Other potential tenants were speculated for the former fast-food site, including Tops BBQ and Jerry Lawler’s BBQ, though none have materialized thus far.

About Sakura Japanese Restaurant

Sakura operates three other locations across Germantown, Collierville, and East Memphis, and is recognized for its specialization in premium quality sushi, featuring fresh fish, seafood, and authentic Japanese ingredients. In addition to sushi, the menu includes a variety of traditional Japanese dishes like tempura, teriyaki, katsu, noodles, and fried rice, allowing diners to indulge in a comprehensive array of flavors.

As construction progresses and the grand opening approaches, the Lakeland community can look forward to the arrival of Sakura Japanese Restaurant, which aims to contribute significantly to the region’s vibrant dining options and overall growth.

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Additional Resources

• Lakeland Currents: Sakura Subarashi Set to Open on June 17
• Daily Memphian: New Restaurant Opening Announcement
• Lakeland Currents: Exciting Developments Set to Shape Lakeland in 2025
• Google Search: Sakura Japanese Restaurant
• Commercial Appeal: Best New Restaurants in Memphis Suburbs
• Wikipedia: Lakeland, Tennessee