Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry Cao.
Hi Jerry, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Chef Jerry’s journey is built on over 15 years of dedication to the art of omakase—a craft rooted in trust, precision, and connection. He began in New York City, co-founding Zen Sushi Omakase with his brothers, where he developed not only his technique but his philosophy of hospitality.
Seeking a new beginning, he moved to Overland Park three years ago and opened a humble “hole-in-the-wall” sushi restaurant with his fiancée.for another 3 years With limited space but limitless care, the restaurant quickly earned a 4.9-star Google rating and consecutive Yelp awards, showing that a meaningful dining experience goes far beyond appearances.
When the opportunity came to grow, Chef Jerry made the bold decision to sell his previous business and fully pursue his true passion—omakase. That vision became Kiyoshi Omakase.
Today, just one month after opening, Kiyoshi is fully booked every night and has received only five-star reviews. For Chef Jerry, success is not measured by recognition, but by the trust of each guest sitting at his counter—and he continues to honor that trust, one course at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Three years ago, Chef Jerry set out on a bold journey—to bring the art of omakase to Kansas. As a highly trained and deeply creative sushi chef, he carried years of experience, but also a quiet uncertainty: would the Midwest truly embrace omakase?
With that question in mind, he started small—a humble, hole-in-the-wall sushi restaurant. It wasn’t easy. From working tirelessly in the kitchen to standing behind the sushi bar every day, Chef Jerry poured everything into his craft. Long hours, constant refinement, and unwavering dedication slowly turned that small space into a success story.
After building and eventually passing on that restaurant, he was finally ready.
Kiyoshi Omakase was born.
What happened next exceeded every expectation. Reservations filled up almost instantly. Guests connected with the experience, embraced the journey, and fell in love with each carefully curated dish.
In that moment, all the doubt disappeared.
Chef Jerry didn’t just bring omakase to Kansas—
he proved it belongs.
We’ve been impressed with Kiyoshi Omakase, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Kiyoshi Omakase brings the sophisticated spirit of New York City’s sushi scene to the heart of the vibrant and historical district in downtown Overland Park, Kansas. As the area’s first and only dedicated Omakase destination, it offers a chef-driven experience defined by quality and tradition.
The Expertise of Chef Jerry
The restaurant is led by Chef Jerry, who brings over 18 years of experience to the sushi journey. His background includes:
• 15 years in New York City working in many renowned sushi establishments.
• Co-founding Zen Sushi Omakase in New York City’s Lower East Side.
• 3 years owning a sushi restaurant in Overland Park, which allows him to expertly bring NYC style to the local community.
The Culinary Experience
The word “Omakase” means “leave it up to you,” and Chef Jerry serves as the main host at the counter, sharing his talent with every guest.
• The Menu: There is no set menu. Instead, guests enjoy a 14-course experience for $98 per person, which is a fair price point compared to others.
• Style: The dishes combine traditional Edomae style with the chef’s own creative creations.
• Premium Ingredients: The restaurant proudly serves air-flown fish directly from the Toyosu market and global sources. Courses feature premium items such as Uni, Caviar, and Japanese A5 Wagyu beef.
• Add-ons: While the omakase is the focus, there is an à la carte menu available for guests who wish to add additional courses after their meal.
Dietary Accommodations
Chef Jerry accepts certain dietary restrictions, including Kosher or Gluten-Free requirements. However, please note that there is no vegetarian option available at the restaurant.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Special thanks to the media outlets including Johnson County Post and The Kansas City Star for featuring Chef Jerry and our omakase journey. We are also incredibly grateful for the support from Downtown OP and the City of Overland Park, whose encouragement helped us grow from the beginning.
Even within our first month of opening, so many guests shared their dining experiences on social media and recommended us to friends and family. That support, love, and word-of-mouth have meant everything to Chef Jerry and played a huge role in our early success.
We are also incredibly honored to have welcomed Bobby Witt Jr. as one of our distinguished guests. His visit meant a lot to our team, and we truly appreciate the Support.
Pricing:
- 98. Per person to enjoy the 14 course omakase
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kiyoshiomakase.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiyoshiomakase
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18YKai93zT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://resy.com/cities/overland-park-ks/venues/kiyoshi-omakase
