Kura Sushi USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: KRUS) has recently announced the election of Claudia Schaefer to its board of directors, effective January 21, 2026. This appointment comes as Kim Ellis did not stand for re-election, also effective January 21, 2026.
Hajime Uba, the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Kura Sushi, expressed excitement about Schaefer's election, highlighting her deep brand and marketing background as a valuable addition to the team. Schaefer, currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Smoothie King, brings with her a wealth of experience, having served in various marketing and executive roles at companies like Caliber, Jamba Juice, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, and Brinker International.
Kura Sushi, a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept, operates 84 locations across 22 states and Washington DC. The company prides itself on offering an authentic Japanese cuisine experience with an engaging revolving sushi service model. As Kura Sushi USA approaches its 100-unit mark and prepares for its next stage of growth, Schaefer's appointment is seen as a strategic move to support the brand and marketing strategy as the company expands its footprint across the United States.
The announcement of Schaefer's election to the board of directors comes as Kura Sushi USA continues its expansion, aiming to further raise national awareness of its unique quality, value, and dining experience. With the company's strong emphasis on technology-enabled dining and its established presence in multiple states, the addition of Schaefer to the board signals a focus on strategic growth and brand development.
As Kura Sushi USA enters this new phase, the company's financial performance and operational metrics will be closely monitored to gauge the impact of this leadership change and the ongoing expansion efforts. The market has reacted to these announcements by moving the company's shares 2.1% to a price of $75.39. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 8-K report here.
