Kura Sushi, a national chain of revolving sushi restaurants, is suing a Long Branch eatery for allegedly using a similar name and menu that it says could confuse customers into thinking the two are connected.
Kura Sushi USA, the revolving sushi bar chain with 76 locations across the country, including spots in Fort Lee, Edison, Cherry Hill, Paramus, and Jersey City, filed a lawsuit in federal court on May 23.
The company is suing Ku Ra Sushi and Ramen, which opened in Long Branch in late 2024, saying the restaurant’s name and menu items are too similar to Kura’s trademarked brand.
According to the lawsuit, the Long Branch restaurant’s menu includes items like “Fried Kura Roll” and “Kura King Ramen,” which Kura Sushi says could easily mislead diners into thinking the two businesses are connected.
This isn’t the first time a New Jersey restaurant has landed in hot water over a name.
Last year, a local pizzeria was sued by the global restaurant empire Nobu—famous among celebrities like Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian—for using the name “Nobu Pizza.”
Like that case, Kura’s lawsuit highlights the growing tension between local eateries and big-name brands over trademarks and customer confusion in New Jersey’s crowded dining scene.
Kura Sushi USA has exclusive rights to use the “KURA” name in the U.S., the complaint said.
The plaintiff claimed the rights were granted in a licensing deal with its parent company in Japan, which has operated under the brand since 1995.
The lawsuit also points to a Yelp review where a customer criticized the Long Branch restaurant, and the owner replied, “I think you’ve mistaken us for Kura Revolving Sushi in Edison.”
Kura alleged that comment proves people are genuinely mixing up the two restaurants.
Despite sending a cease-and-desist letter in March, Kura says the Long Branch restaurant has continued using the disputed name and branding.
Now, Kura Sushi is asking the court to force the restaurant to stop using the name “Ku Ra” or anything similar, and to award damages, legal fees, and any profits made from the alleged misuse.
Neither restaurant immediately responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.