Hai Hospitality

Hai Hospitality is an award-winning restaurant group based in Austin, Texas, renowned for its innovative approach to Japanese cuisine and exceptional dining experiences. Founded in 2003 by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, the group began with the opening of Uchi, a modern Japanese restaurant that quickly gained acclaim for its non-traditional take on elevated Japanese dishes.

Over the years, Hai Hospitality has expanded its portfolio to include several acclaimed concepts:

• Uchiko: An extension of the Uchi brand, Uchiko offers a similar menu with a focus on innovative Japanese cuisine, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative preparations.
• Uchiba: Located in Dallas, Uchiba presents a unique dining experience that combines elements of Uchi and Uchiko, featuring a diverse menu of sushi, sashimi, and wood-fired dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
• Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar: Launched in 2018 in partnership with award-winning barbecue chef Aaron Franklin, Loro blends techniques from Texas barbecue with bold flavors from Southeast Asia, creating a relaxed, counter-style dining experience that has resonated with a wide audience.

Hai Hospitality's dedication to culinary innovation is matched by its commitment to thoughtful design and exceptional service. Each restaurant is thoughtfully designed to create an inviting and comfortable environment, reflecting the group's passion for architecture and design.

The staff is trained to provide attentive and knowledgeable service, ensuring that every guest has a memorable dining experience.

In 2020, Hai Hospitality received a substantial investment from a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises. This partnership has enabled the group to accelerate its growth and expand its concepts into new markets.

The leadership team, including Chef Tyson Cole, continues to guide the company's vision and operations.

Locations

As of July 2025, Hai Hospitality operates in several cities across the United States, including:

• Austin, TX: Home to the original Uchi and Uchiko locations, as well as Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar.
• Dallas, TX: Featuring Uchi, Uchiba, and Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar.
• Houston, TX: Hosting Uchi and Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar.
• Denver, CO: Home to Uchi Denver.
• Miami, FL: Featuring Uchi Miami and plans for Uchiko Miami in the near future.
• Cincinnati, OH
• Cleveland, OH
• Columbus, OH
• Hialeah, FL
• Miami Beach, FL
• Plano, TX
• Scottsdale, AZ
• Westminster, CO

Hai Hospitality's dedication to culinary excellence, innovative dining concepts, and exceptional guest experiences continues to drive its success and expansion across the United States.