In a city known for country cooking and famous barbecue, Plant City soon will have a much different dining option.
Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar will fill the space left by Woody’s BBQ in the Lake Walden Square Shopping Center.
According to owner Franky Wu, the restaurant plans to open in October and will feature four dining options for guests, including regular dining, hibachi dining, sushi bar and a full drink bar. Wasabi also will feature a party room with a hibachi grill that can accommodate 22 guests.
“We chose this location, because we knew Plant City still did not have a Japanese steakhouse,” Wu said.
Wu has worked with his cousin in three restaurants in the Fort Myers and Sarasota areas, but this will be the only one under the Wasabi name.
Wasabi will serve up traditional Japanese steakhouse favorites like teriyaki chicken and hibachi shrimp and ribeye. The restaurant’s full sushi bar will feature chef Tony Wu, Franky’s brother, who has more than 20 years of experience.
“It was very important for us to have experienced chefs in our restaurant,” Franky Wu said.
The sushi bar will feature classic favorites, such as California rolls, along with special Wasabi rolls unique to the restaurant.
Wu plans to have eight hibachi tables, which will each accommodate 10 guests. Hibachi dining is famous for adding entertainment and social interaction to a dining experience. Meals are cooked to order in front of guests by trained chefs.
In addition to his brother, Wu said Wasabi already has several chefs who will come from his cousin’s stores, and the restaurant plans to add more.
“We want to build a customer base and bring people back to our restaurant,” he said. “By having experienced chefs, it helps make sure they have a great experience when they come.”
Wu said he plans to hire other positions at the restaurant locally in Plant City, including cashiers and hostesses. This likely will be in the fall closer to the opening of the restaurant.
Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver.com.