Kansai TV Follows Richard, a Popular Vendor at the “Dotonbori Food Stall Village Festival”! His new restaurant, “RICHARD’S BBQ HOUSE,” also opens on July 2

2026.07.18 10:15

Future Holdings株式会社

大注目の新店舗「RICHARD'S BBQ HOUSE」

The Highly Anticipated New Restaurant “RICHARD’S BBQ HOUSE”

The excitement in Osaka’s Dotonbori is now at its peak! This ultimate entertainment venue is wowing tourists from Japan and abroad while also garnering enthusiastic support from “local Kansai residents.”The “Dotonbori Yatai Village Festival” (Location: Chuo Ward, Osaka City) is set to see terrestrial broadcast media finally take a full-scale interest in the activities of “Richard,” the owner who has garnered immense attention as the facility’s icon thanks to his overwhelming vitality and the human warmth that illuminates the community. This coverage will begin on July 17, 2026.

Starting at 10:52 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, Kansai TV’s “Wellchil” will air an interview delving into “Dotonbori Yatai Village Festival”—Richard’s current base of operations—as well as the heartwarming activities of the “Children’s Cafeteria,” where Richard has been bringing smiles to locals and children for many years!

Furthermore, as if to match the excitement of this historic broadcast, the long-awaited new restaurant “RICHARD’S BBQ HOUSE” held its grand opening on the second floor of the Yatai Village on Thursday, July 2.We’re revealing the full story of the Dotonbori Yatai Village Festival, where two major events coincide: the moment when Richard’s sincere dedication and passion are widely shared through the TV feature, and the birth of a new restaurant that’s set to carve out a new chapter in the history of this “stadium of food.”

■ The Clear Reason Richard and Dotonbori Yatai Village Were Chosen

リチャードの活動がTV取材

TV Coverage of Richard’s Activities

Among the many spots in Dotonbori, why does this one attract such large crowds and media attention? There is an “overwhelming reason” why he is loved by local Japanese fans.

(1) The sincere efforts and altruistic spirit behind the “Children’s Cafeteria,” which has become a social phenomenon.

The central focus of this in-depth interview by Kansai Telecasting Corporation (Kansai TV) was the “Children’s Cafeteria,” into which Richard pours his heart and soul. His pure, selfless spirit—driven by the desire to “bring smiles to the children and the community through delicious meals”—has resonated deeply with local media and residents, inspiring “unconditional support” from local fans.It is precisely because of this strong bond of trust that Richard’s activities are always met with warm attention.

(2) An “Authentic Atmosphere” That Makes It a Daily Choice for Local Osaka Residents in Dotonbori—a Highly Competitive Inbound Tourism Hotspot

In Dotonbori—one of Japan’s most fiercely competitive areas for inbound tourism, lined with establishments primarily targeting foreign visitors—what sets this facility apart is that it is chosen on a daily basis not only by foreign tourists but also by local Osaka residents.Of course, the “exquisite burgers and tacos” crafted by Richard are delicious, but more importantly, the venue eschews an overly staged “Japanese-ness” aimed at foreign tourists in favor of a genuine street-food atmosphere that local office workers and families can truly enjoy.It is precisely this “everyday joy for Japanese people” that strikes international tourists as authentic Japanese culture, creating a virtuous cycle where word of mouth and social media naturally spread the word worldwide. Because the restaurant has already earned the unwavering trust of local fans, there are high expectations for the opening of this new location.

[Program Airing Information]

Program Name: Wellchil

Broadcaster: Kansai TV (Kantele)

Air Date and Time: Friday, July 17, 2026, 10:52 PM – 10:57 PM

Program Overview: Focusing on the “Children’s Cafeteria” activities that Richard is passionate about,

　　　　　, along with the real-life energy and heartwarming human stories

　　　　　“Dotonbori Yatai Village Festival,”

　　　　　into a 5-minute segment!

■ A spectacular selection of hearty dishes that surpass even the authentic versions, and the shock of American BBQ that stirs all five senses

舌を唸らせる厳選・推しメニュー

Carefully Selected, Must-Try Dishes That Will Make Your Taste Buds Sing

As TV coverage has drawn significant attention to Richard’s “warmth” and “passion,” “RICHARD’S BBQ HOUSE” has finally opened on the second floor of “Dotonbori Yatai Village Festival”—the very heart of this craze.You can enjoy a bold, full-sensory experience of authentic American BBQ—featuring overwhelming portions that would impress even a sumo wrestler and a variety of smoky, aromatic dishes.

This time, from the extensive menu, we’d like to introduce “the top 3 must-try dishes” that truly showcase Richard’s culinary skills.

[Carefully Selected Recommended Dishes That Deliver the Ultimate Dining Experience]

Our restaurant’s pride and joy—beef brisket slowly smoked over cherry wood chips! Precisely because this is such a labor-intensive and challenging dish, Richard’s expert technique and passion truly shine through in its tenderness and juiciness. It pairs exceptionally well with authentic California wine.

A juicy, extra-large sausage with a bold, spiraled shape, packed with concentrated umami flavor. It’s served with two types of mustard that pair perfectly. Not only is this the classic BBQ combo that goes great with beer, but we also highly recommend trying it with “Dr. Pepper”—an indispensable staple of the American BBQ scene.

A hugely popular dish featuring American soul food—baked potatoes—loaded with an extravagant array of toppings!

・Traditional

A classic flavor combining shredded cheese, juicy bacon, green onions, and sour cream.

・TEX MEX

A healthy and spicy dish packed with vegetables, topped with black beans, buttered corn, guacamole, cilantro, and pico de gallo.

We also offer a variety of other options to suit your mood, such as Japanese Curry and Veggie Supreme.

■ The Excitement of the Sho-En-Seki Event and the One-of-a-Kind Experience Offered by the Next-Generation Highlight: the “Sumo Wrestler Event”

大注目の「力士イベント」

The Highly Anticipated “Rikishi Event”

In addition to food and drink, the “Dotonbori Yatai Village Festival” features a variety of entertainment events. In March 2026, following the conclusion of the Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament, we hosted a meet-and-greet event featuring sumo wrestler Shōen Masaya.

At this special event, the wrestler interacted with fans up close and delivered a spectacular performance, filling the venue with deafening cheers and excitement. Our facility’s greatest strength lies in our ability to welcome such a distinguished figure from the prestigious world of sumo and create a vibrant atmosphere that engulfs the entire city.

Following this legendary night, we held a “Sumo Wrestler Event” on June 5!

This hands-on entertainment experience allows guests to not only watch but also interact directly with real sumo wrestlers up close.On the day of the event, guests donned comical “rikishi suits” and gave it their all as they faced off against real sumo wrestlers, while the entire venue was united in laughter and excitement—an explosion of the “joy of authentic Japanese culture” that simply cannot be experienced anywhere else.

Going forward, this “Rikishi Event” will continue to evolve as a new flagship event held on a regular basis. We invite guests from Japan and abroad—adults and children alike—to come experience the overwhelming energy and warmth of this one-of-a-kind space, where people unite across borders and generations amid the power of tradition and bursts of laughter.Our entire staff sincerely looks forward to welcoming you!

We regularly post information about events and our various locations on our social media channels and official website.

Please check the related links below.

Official Website: https://osaka-yataimura.com/

X: https://x.com/Yataimura_d

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dotonbori.yataimura/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567039574081

■Store Overview

Opening Date: October 23, 2024

Location: 7-7 Soemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Admission: Free

Menu Prices: 400–5,000 yen (tax included)

Hours: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM