Mikoto Ramen Bar and Sushi opened its doors on December 27, 2018, bringing a new culinary experience to the area as the town's first ramen shop. Now, as the community reflects on stories of local businesses, Mikoto’s journey highlights the resilience and dedication of owner Mario Ivan Borja.

 

Borja grew up working in his father's businesses in East Texas, learning the demanding logistics of the profession from a young age. While he initially sought a different path in college, he quickly pivoted to business. Borja recalls his father saying, "The best way to learn business is to run your own business." This advice led him to manage a family-owned Asian Grill, a period he candidly describes as a crucial, humbling learning experience.

 

In other business ventures, Borja developed a new perspective on business management. He learned the value of listening to his team, paying attention to operational details, and understanding the financial constraints of small-town markets. He believes in using setbacks as momentum; "Each time I have failed, I've taken the opportunity to reflect, see what went wrong, what part I played, and how I could do better,” he shares. “Once I knew what I could do better, I did."

 

This drive for improvement was the cornerstone of Mikoto. When he and his wife, Jessica, began training for the new ramen shop in early 2018, Borja felt he had something significant to prove to himself and his family. "I felt I had something to prove,” he says. “Not just to my wife, my father, and family, but to myself."

 

Mikoto was launched with the goal of offering the most authentic bowl of ramen possible, employing a Japanese chef and focusing on quality ingredients. In addition to ramen, they serve fresh sushi and rice bowls. Beyond the menu, Borja and his team strive to foster a distinct community atmosphere. They host quarterly Anime Nights, featuring cosplay contests and themed dishes, transforming the restaurant into a space for fans to connect.

 

Borja emphasizes that it is the people, both the team in the restaurant and the patrons that dine there, who truly set the business apart. "Our customers and team set us apart," he states. "We are a place where we truly come together and enjoy good food with great people. Our mission is to be a central hub where people of all walks of life feel, see, and are heard."

 

Borja appreciates Tyler for its peace and small-city feel, even as the area grows. He encourages residents to engage with their local economy, advising, "If I can offer any advice, it would be to shop and eat local! We want everyone to make it."

 

The path for Borja’s success has been defined by persistence. He maintains a focus on innovation, consistent service, and quality, knowing that he is constantly learning. He summarizes this perspective by saying, "It doesn't matter how many times we may 'fail'. I have found that the more I fail, the more I win!" Mikoto Ramen Bar and Sushi stands today as a reflection of that commitment, providing not only an authentic meal but also a welcoming hub for the Tyler community.