Maintaining the vision of Masashi Kawaguchi, siblings, Lauren and Jonathan Kawaguchi are ready to lead the next generation forward. Both Lauren and Jonathan are actively involved in Upper Crust Enterprises and learning the ins and outs of producing Authentic Panko, while fulfilling their grandfather’s original vision. Lauren and Jonathan grew up in the family business

When Fishking Processors, Inc., a seafood processing company, was first established in 1955, Masashi Kawaguchi was building much more than a business. He was building a solid foundation for future generations of the Kawaguchi family to grow and expand. Growing up in a home where business and family were one, Gary Kawaguchi, the oldest son,

The legacy of Upper Crust Enterprises, Inc. began in 1955 when Masashi Kawaguchi, a dynamic entrepreneur, established Fishking Processors, Inc., a small seafood processing facility located in Los Angeles, California. The business was soon to be known as Mrs. Friday’s. Mrs. Friday’s was a brand produced by Fishking Processors, however, because of the overwhelming popularity

Food quality matters, “Clean Label”, “Sustainable” and “Plant Based”, are now everyday terms and these very popular descriptors have spawned a brand new era of awareness of not just food, but where it comes from and how it’s produced – “where” and “how” are just as important as the “what” for a vast majority of

Understanding the difference between Crunchy and Crispy texture might seem a little silly to some, after all, aren’t they the same? Your restaurant customers know the difference and a quality expectation for both.  A scientific article in the International Journal of Food Properties, titled “Critical Evaluation of Crispy and Crunchy Textures: A Review”, outlines the subtle,

Chefs are always looking for easy ways to change their menus to meet the demand for GMO Free, plant-based foods. The demand for better-for-you foods isn’t just limited to the main menu item  but also the small ingredients used in your kitchen.  For example, breadcrumbs: A must have staple, especially for many Italian dishes. Unfortunately,

Searching for an extra crispy tempura batter mix that’s both versatile and vegan friendly? Upper Crust Enterprises has just what you need – Vegan Authentic Tempura Batter Mix. Many commercial tempura batter mixes contain eggs, MSG, flavorings and other ingredients not suited for today’s consumers.  At Upper Crust Enterprises we pride ourselves in creating a

Carefully reading the ingredient list is critical in selecting a clean-label and vegan breadcrumb. Standard breadcrumbs brands can contain hidden animal such as milk, eggs, and honey but also sugar. Many, if not most, sugar is filtered using bone char, making it a non-vegan ingredient. An All Natural Panko is quickly becoming the new favorite

Simple and sophisticated. It’s the best way to describe Tempura, a popular Japanese dish of vegetables, seafood, poultry and even fruit, wrapped in a light and lacey batter and then fried to a crispy perfection. Even in today’s health conscience environment, fried food reigns supreme and using a high quality tempura batter is key to

Several trends have carried over to 2021. But the two showing the greatest popularity among diners are; 1) Healthier, plant-based menu items and; 2) foods that standup to delivery. If you master both, 2021 is going to be a great year for your restaurant! As the draw of attention increases for plant-based and GMO free