A modern Japanese restaurant that specializes in locally raised, seasonal, tapas style dishes. Kuu – (pronounced koo) is a word that translates to “the art of eating.” But to owner Peter Ma and everyone working at Kuu, it’s more than just a name, it is something they truly believe in. From the elegant plating, to the freshness of their fish, art infuses everything. Kuu hopes that when you sit down in their restaurant, you experience it as you would a fine work of art.
What would you say makes Kuu different from any other restaurant?
I was inspired to start Kuu after realizing the mastery of Chef Adison Lee’s work. His culinary craftsmanship was meant to be shared and I knew I would be at the beginning of a business with endless potential.
Do you believe it is important to treat customers like family?
At KUU, customers are the focal point of our work in the hospitality industry. Allowing them to feel like family when dining at Kuu seems critical to our business. Most importantly, customer service always comes first.
What would you say is the key to running such a successful restaurant business like yours? The key to running a successful business like Kuu is flexibility. I think as business owners we can plan as much as we would like but we can never be certain about what lurks around the corner.
Are you thinking about retiring anytime soon? I would never say never! However, retirement seems in the distant future as we plan to expand our business in a growing Houston market.
What was your favorite food as a child? And now as an adult?
My favorite food as a child was actually instant ramen. It is pretty funny to reflect upon that now since I own a Japanese restaurant.
What would you say was your ideal job/work when you were a teenager? I was ambitious as a teenager but I never had one specific job in mind, but I knew a prosperous future would be secure in the United States. I immigrated here from Hong Kong as a hopeful seventeen-year-old.
What advice would you give to someone who had big dreams to own a successful business like you? The best advice I can offer someone who hopes to own a successful business is to allow yourself to make mistakes if you are always willing to learn and grown from them.
Do you have any suggestions on the menu for someone who has not eaten at Kuu?
Our Truffle Suzuki roll is one of the best sushi rolls I have had anywhere. Hands down! I also really enjoy our new Toro Tartare with truffle and caviar.
