Jimmy's Bakery

Okinawa's own bakery, deli and grocery pioneer

Michael Flemming Oct 10, 2013 - 2 min read

Look for the distinctive orange and white Jimmy's sign at 22 locations around the island

A Jimmy's pie is a great way to say hello when visiting friends

Some of the American inspired products such as the American taste cookies aren't actually as sweet as in the U.S., but that's a good thing

Each month theme items are offered to coincide with upcoming holidays and celebrations

Order pies and pay for items at the register

Jimmy's has a wide variety of ready to give gifts

The Jimmy's Bakery Company's focus is on being a deli, a bakery and a small grocery store; the chain also has three restaurants

Jimmy's Bakery Company is an Okinawan company with roots established in 1956 when the founder invested his experience and observations from working on American bases into what is now 22 locations across the island.

The company has three production facilities and 19 stores, three of which are also restaurants. Nearly every Jimmy's location is a bakery, a delicatessen, and an import grocery store. Jimmy's is probably best known by locals and tourists for its freshly made pies, American-inspired gifts, and wonderful cream puffs and other pastries. The chain is also a pioneer in retailing and merchandising on Okinawa being the first or among the first businesses to adopt point of sale inventory and sales, local production facilities, and supply chain optimization.

If you are paying a visit to anyone on Okinawa or have been invited to a social function, you will always please your hosts by bringing one of Jimmy's pies along, I recommend the banana cream pie or a German chocolate cake - and why not pick up a 12-pack of imported American A&W root beer as well? I recently visited the Uruma City location on Route 16 just east of Route 224. Most Jimmy's locations are open daily 10:00 ~ 21:00. Other notable bakeries in this area well worth considering include the Mini Mini Zoo and Egg Shop, Pont Cookie, and Bakery House Kuruton, all to the west along or just off of Route 16.

Michael Flemming @michael.flemming

I'm a wanderer in Okinawa turning over every stone I can find. I write, photograph and blog about my favorite finds here in Japan's southernmost prefecture.