Reo Miyake opened Aomori Restaurant and Market in Portland as the next chapter in his family’s long history in Maine’s restaurant industry. Located on Hanover Street, the restaurant and market bring together traditional Japanese cuisine and specialty goods through a shared family vision.
Reo comes from a family deeply rooted in Maine’s restaurant industry. As the son of Masa Miyake, former owner of Pai Men and Miyake, he has been part of Portland’s hospitality community for many years. Opening Aomori alongside his mother, Chieko Miyake, and his partner, Helen Carter, reflects both a continuation of that legacy and a new chapter shaped by their collective goals. The business was created with the intention of building something together as a family.
Although the Miyake family has extensive experience in hospitality, this was Reo and Helen’s first time starting a business entirely from scratch. Developing a new concept required careful planning, financial modeling, and clarity around how the restaurant and market would stand out in Portland’s competitive dining scene. They turned to Maine SBDC for guidance in organizing their ideas and building a strong foundation. Business Advisor Peter Harriman worked with them to develop their business plan, refine their model, and bring structure to their vision for both the restaurant and the market.
To bring the project to life, the team secured an SBA loan through Maine Community Bank along with additional funding from the City of Portland. They opened during the slower season, encouraged by the strong support they have received from Portland’s hospitality community. While standing out among many excellent local restaurants remains an ongoing challenge, Reo embraces the need to continually introduce new and exciting offerings.
Looking ahead, the future feels promising. The business has been well received, and the family is eager to see what the busy spring and summer seasons will bring. Rooted in tradition and guided by a shared vision, Aomori Restaurant and Market represent a meaningful step forward for the Miyake family in Maine’s vibrant food community.
To learn more about their business, check out their website, Instagram for their restaurant, and Instagram for their market!