The locally owned Japanese katsu sandwich shop announced it will relocate from 573 H Street in Chula Vista to 3142 E Plaza Boulevard, Suites L & J, in National City. The restaurant’s final day of service at the Chula Vista location will be Sunday, December 21. Ichiban Sando is scheduled to reopen on Friday, December 26, with a full grand opening celebration planned for January 10 and 11.
According to the owners, the move follows extended discussions over lease terms and rising operating expenses at the H Street location. While a new agreement could not be reached, the team emphasized that the decision was made thoughtfully and expressed gratitude for the years spent serving the Chula Vista community. The short pause between locations will allow time for staff training and operational preparation ahead of reopening.
When it reopens, the business will operate under a new name: Ichiban Sando × J-Town. In addition to the katsu sandwiches that helped build the brand’s following, the expanded concept will introduce J-Town (@go.jtown), a Japanese grab-and-go operation focused on quick breakfast and lunch service. Offerings will include rice balls, bento boxes, katsu sandwiches, onigiri, sushi in pizza boxes from Hako Sushibox and Japanese specialty drinks such as hojicha and matcha, catering to customers looking for fast, convenient, and high-quality Japanese food.
Ichiban Sando first opened in 2021 as a fast-casual concept centered on Japanese katsu sandos made with crispy pork or chicken cutlets, housemade milk bread, cabbage, pickles, and katsu sauce. The shop quickly gained traction in South County for its focused menu and neighborhood appeal, later expanding into curry katsu, omurice, and egg sandwiches.
While the address and name are changing, the owners say their commitment to quality food and welcoming service remains the same. The new National City location places Ichiban Sando × J-Town along a busy commercial corridor near Plaza Boulevard, positioning the business to reach both longtime supporters and a wider South Bay audience.
Ichiban Sando × J-Town will open at 3142 E Plaza Boulevard, Suites L & J, in National City on December 26, 2025, with a grand opening celebration scheduled for January 10 and 11. For more information, visit @IchibanSandoSD on Instagram.
Originally published on December 20, 2025.
