The Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake chain will open its first U.S. location at the Royal Hawaiian Center on Wednesday.

Tetsu’s was recently purchased by California-based Panda Restaurant Group, which will own and operate the Waikiki cheesecake shop.

Tetsushi Mizokami established the company in Hakata, Japan, in 1985 and makes his cakes with a signature stamp — a cartoon image of Uncle Tetsu — on top. Each 8-inch cake is baked to order.

Japanese-style cheesecake is lighter in texture than its Western counterparts, and Uncle Tetsu serves cheesecakes and other baked goods as well as teas.

“Expanding into the U.S. has been a dream for our family-owned business and we are honored to have the chance to grow our fan base here in Honolulu,” Mizokami said in a statement.

The cheesecake chain has some 80 locations around the world, including stores in China, Taipei and Canada.

Panda Restaurant Group founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng want to expand the Japanese cheesecake concept across the country and will build the first California outlet, in Arcadia, later this year.

“Through this partnership we will offer our Panda insight and culture-building expertise to help make Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake the go-to destination for authentic Asian dessert options,” Andrew Cherng said.

Panda Restaurant Group also owns and operates restaurant chains including Panda Express, Panda Inn and Hibachi-San.

Cheesecake Factory, known for its heavier, American-style cheesecakes, savory selections and large portions, has been operating at the same center for more than a decade.