Kura Sushi USA Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer

The company has commenced a search for a new CFO as Jeff Uttz departs to take a new role in the restaurant industry.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of financial reports, a calculator, and a pen arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract concepts of corporate finance and strategy.The departure of Kura Sushi USA's CFO signals a transition in the company's financial leadership as it continues its ambitious growth strategy.Irvine Today

Kura Sushi USA, a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant chain, announced that its Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Jeff Uttz, will be leaving the company on April 28, 2026 to accept a new position within the restaurant industry. The company has started an executive search to find a qualified candidate to fill the CFO role, with CEO Hajime Uba serving as the interim CFO during the transition.

Why it matters

The departure of Kura Sushi's CFO comes as the company continues to expand its footprint, growing from 39 locations to 88 across 22 states over the past four years. Maintaining financial leadership and stability will be crucial as Kura Sushi works to capture the significant growth opportunities ahead.

The details

Jeff Uttz has served as Kura Sushi's Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for the past four years, playing a key role in the company's growth and transition to becoming a public company. During his tenure, Kura Sushi expanded from 39 locations to 88 across 22 states. Uttz will be departing the company on April 28, 2026 to accept a new position within the restaurant industry.

  • Jeff Uttz will depart Kura Sushi on April 28, 2026.
  • Kura Sushi has commenced an executive search to find a new CFO.

The players

Jeff Uttz

The outgoing Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Kura Sushi USA, who has accepted a new position within the restaurant industry.

Hajime Uba

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Kura Sushi USA, who will serve as the Interim Chief Financial Officer while the company searches for a permanent replacement.

Kura Sushi USA, Inc.

A technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept with 88 locations across 22 states and Washington DC.

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What they’re saying

“Jeff has been an invaluable partner to me and to Kura Sushi over the past four years with his strategic insight and financial leadership instrumental to our growth journey as a public company.”

— Hajime Uba, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kura Sushi

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the CFO of Kura Sushi over the past four years. During this time, we have grown Kura from 39 locations to 88 locations across 22 states to date, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together as a team.”

— Jeff Uttz, Outgoing Chief Financial Officer

What’s next

Kura Sushi has commenced an executive search to find a qualified candidate to fill the Chief Financial Officer position on a permanent basis.

The takeaway

The departure of Kura Sushi's long-serving CFO comes at a critical juncture for the company as it continues to rapidly expand its footprint across the United States. Maintaining strong financial leadership will be essential as Kura Sushi works to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities ahead.