Bun Me Up Brings Bay Area Flavor Back to SAP Center
Long before Bun Me Up became a bold Asian fusion stop for hungry Sharks fans at The Tank, its owner was balancing a software career while trying to grow his business. Now, after going all in, Bun Me Up is set to return to SAP Center for another Sharks season.
The Leap of Faith
From a young age, Josh, Bun Me Up's owner, knew he wanted to open a restaurant. Working both in the corporate world and in restaurants after his normal 9-to-5, the demands of both forced Josh to go all in.
"I had to make a choice," he said.
That choice, meant betting on his business, eventually allowing Bun Me Up to expand and grow a following through pop-ups, night markets, catering, and other local partnerships. His choice put the business on a path that would eventually lead to SAP Center.
From Pop-ups to SAP Center
Like many Bay Area food businesses, Bun Me Up didn't start as a permanent storefront. The business launched as a ghost kitchen operating out of Tiki Pete in downtown San Jose, just minutes away from the home of the San Jose Sharks.
Inspired by his upbringing in a Chinese household, and the diverse range of cuisines experienced as an adult, Josh's menu combines influences from across Asia. Other featured menu items include vegetarian tofu buns, Japanese shoyu pork buns, Korean chicken, and Filipino-inspired adobo.
For Sharks fans looking to give Bun Me Up a try, the go-to and fan-favorite orders are the beef or chicken bao buns.
Bun Me Up's path to SAP also came through their local food community relations. Their location out of Tiki Pete neighbors the kitchen of Sushi Confidential, another San Jose restaurant that has operated at the arena.
Through that relationship, Josh was introduced to the opportunity to participate in a trial run during Sharks games. After two successful stretches serving fans, Bun Me Up earned a return invitation and will once again be part of the Sharks' gameday experience this season.
While the pace on game nights might be different than at a typical pop-up, one aspect of that energy stands out. Bun Me Up often sees returning customers at their SAP Center spot, including season-ticket holders who stop by throughout the season. Those familiar faces make the arena feel a little like a neighborhood restaurant, with conversations often turning to how the Sharks are doing.
More Than Arena Food
Opening a permanent restaurant remains the ultimate goal for Josh, but for now, Bun Me Up has found another home inside SAP Center. Alongside other local businesses, the return gives fans of Team Teal (as well as other events hosted by SAP Center) the chance to support local business while experiencing a part of the city's food scene on game nights.
