business
Katsuya Uechi, sushi chef who defined LA's dining scene, dies
By Helen Jeong at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
Katsuya Uechi, a legendary sushi chef who created the Sushi Katsu-ya brand in Los Angeles , has died at the age of 67, his restaurants confirmed Friday.
Uechi, who moved to the United States from Japan in the 1980s, opened his first Sushi Katsu-ya restaurant on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City ...
Key takeaway Uechi, who moved to the United States from Japan in the 1980s, opened his first Sushi Katsu-ya restaurant on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City in 1997.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
Katsuya Uechi's passing leaves a void in Los Angeles' culinary landscape, where his Sushi Katsu-ya brand has been a staple for over two decades. The growth of his restaurants in the San Fernando Valley reflects the region's diverse and evolving food scene. As a pioneer in popularizing Japanese cuisine, Uechi's influence can be seen in the numerous sushi restaurants that have sprouted up across the city. His legacy extends beyond his own establishments, contributing to Los Angeles' reputation as a hub for innovative and authentic dining experiences. The outpouring of condolences from fans and the community is a testament to Uechi's impact on the local food culture. As the Katsuya Group continues to carry forward his vision, it will be interesting to see how his son, Sam, and the company navigate the future of the brand, ensuring that Uechi's culinary legacy endures in the city he helped shape.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Katsuya Uechi, a legendary sushi chef who created the Sushi Katsu-ya brand in Los Angeles, has died at the age of 67, his restaurants confirmed Friday.
Uechi, who moved to the United States from Japan in the 1980s, opened his first Sushi Katsu-ya restaurant on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Helen Jeong at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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