Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, was in Prince Rupert aboard the Brilliant Lady during the newest Virgin Voyages ship’s inaugural Alaska season and first visit to the North Coast.

The billionaire entrepreneur, who has dined everywhere from luxury resorts to major cities across six continents, stopped for lunch at Fukasaku during the visit and left chef-owner Dai Fukasaku a message that stands out.

“I’ve eaten in many, many places in my life — and this was by far the best restaurant — EVER!” Branson wrote on a copy of the menu he signed following an omakase lunch.

For Fukasaku, the visit was an opportunity to showcase Prince Rupert’s seafood, fishing culture and local food producers.

Global Ports Holding contacted the restaurant several days before the ship’s arrival to ask whether Fukasaku would host Branson’s group for lunch.

“I accepted it under one condition — it would be omakase,” he said.

The chef’s-choice tasting menu was served as an introduction to Northwest B.C.’s seafood and ingredients. Guests were served Skeena sockeye salmon, Haida Gwaii albacore tuna, octopus, smoked black cod, maple miso-glazed black cod, spot prawns, Fukasaku’s award-winning Northwest Treasure ramen, locally sourced nigiri and a spruce tip-infused ginger crème brûlée.

“I gave them an introduction and explained how locality, sustainability and supporting small-scale fishers are important for us,” Fukasaku said.

Since opening in 2013, Fukasaku has built its reputation around serving seafood harvested in Northwest B.C. and maintaining close relationships with local fishers, harvesters and food producers.

“The group was very friendly and talkative,” Fukasaku said. “I chatted with them while making food, and they really enjoyed every single course. I did enjoy serving them as well.”

While Fukasaku said he strives to treat every customer the same regardless of who they are, Branson’s reaction still stood out.

“I mean, I treat every single customer the same way, but for him to leave that kind note on the menu and take a picture with me, that was amazingly amazing,” he said.

“Dai’s restaurant is a Prince Rupert staple,” said Cowpuccino’s coffehouse owner, Judson Rose. “He’s almost always booked up, but this kind of recognition can open up amazing opportunities and awareness for him.”

For Fukasaku, the visit ultimately became a chance to introduce an internationally known visitor to the flavours of Prince Rupert and the North Coast.

The signed menu now serves as a reminder that a small restaurant on Prince Rupert’s waterfront left a lasting impression on one of the world’s most recognizable entrepreneurs.