Explore the Gondo Family’s legacy of service, culture, and connection.
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Welcome back to our exciting annual newsletter series, "Celebrating Changemakers: Honoree Spotlight." In this series, we embark on a journey through the lives and accomplishments of extraordinary individuals who have made a lasting impact on our community and beyond. Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on one honoree, revealing their inspiring journey, their contributions, and the indelible mark they've left on the world. This week, we are thrilled to honor the Gondo Family, celebrating a legacy of service through food, culture, and community, and the bridges they’ve built across generations.
CULTIVATING CULTURE, SHARING KINDNESS:
THE GONDO FAMILY
A LEGACY OF FOOD, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
In the heart of Houston’s Asian American community, few names resonate as deeply as the Gondo family. Their story is one of enduring love, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering dedication to cultural connection and community service.
Glen Gondo’s journey began in California, where, as a boy in the fifth grade, Glen met a girl named Kathy, who would become his future wife. Years later, Glen and Kathy moved to Texas, where Glen joined his family’s pioneering restaurant, Tokyo Gardens, which was the first Japanese restaurant in Houston. Featuring tatami mat seating, koi ponds, and servers in traditional kimonos, Tokyo Gardens offered Houstonians a rare and immersive cultural experience. Glen’s passion for the food and culture of his family’s Japanese heritage eventually led to the founding of Sushiya, which became the sushi provider for H-E-B, bringing Japanese flavors to communities across Texas.
GLEN GONDO: A CHAMPION FOR CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
Inspired by his parents’ experience in American internment camps during World War II, Glen dedicated his life to educating others about Japanese culture and advocating for Asian American representation. He was a founding supporter of the Japan-America Society and a tireless connector who helped students, professionals, and organizations build meaningful relationships.
KATHY GONDO: THE QUIET FORCE BEHIND THE VISION
While Glen was the face of many ventures, Kathy was the steady hand behind the scenes. She supported the family’s transition from restaurant to catering, and eventually to launching Sushiya. Her insight, warmth, and encouragement helped shape the family’s values and direction.
ROBERT GONDO: RETURNING TO HIS ROOTS
Glen and Kathy’s son, Robert, earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and worked at Amazon for a time before returning to Houston to join his family’s business. Though this decision was entirely Robert’s own, it fulfilled Glen’s long-held dream that his son might one day follow in his steps. “We wanted Robert to gain experience elsewhere,” Kathy shared, “but Glen was absolutely thrilled when Robert came back.”
Robert continues the family legacy by making Japanese cuisine accessible across Texas. Through their partnership with H-E-B, the Gondo family has introduced sushi to towns that previously had no Asian restaurants. “We ‘Texify’ sushi to make it approachable,” Robert explained. “Food is a great way to bring people in.”
A LASTING IMPACT ON CCC
The Gondo family has played a pivotal role in the Chinese Community Center’s (CCC’s) exponential growth into a cornerstone of Houston’s Asian American community. They were instrumental in the success of the Capacity Building Campaign during the 2000s, which enabled CCC to acquire its current property at 9800 Town Park Drive and renovate the existing facility into a community center, and of the New Horizons Capital Campaign of the 2010s, which allowed CCC to add a senior center, a recreation center, playgrounds, and gated parking.
VALUES THAT ENDURE
Kindness, connection, and community support are at the heart of the Gondo family’s philosophy. Kathy echoes Glen’s advice to the younger generation to “keep an open mind and listen to others’ ideas.” Robert adds, “You never know what situation someone might be in. Being good to everyone matters.”
As CCC celebrates its 46th anniversary, the Gondo family’s story reminds us that true legacy is built not just in business, but in the lives we touch and the bridges we build. The family’s contributions—financial, cultural, and personal—have truly helped create a more inclusive and vibrant Houston.
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