By TM Petaccia

Ted Nakato (center), co-owner of Menya Daruma / Kappo En with his team of chefs: (L-R) Michael Le, Vince Tien, Yoshi Ono, and Yasu Tabita. TM Petaccia/UP

The former Sandwich Max on 7th Street in Elizabeth is now home to dual Japanese concepts. Menya Daruma is having its soft opening Thursday, January 12, testing workflows and procedures with a formal opening in a few weeks.

“We see there are more people who have become more knowledgeable about ramen and it’s becoming part of their everyday diet,” says Ted Nakato, one of the co-owners. “We felt Charlotte was a good, growing market and still there’s still room for other Asian restaurants.”

Nakato is the current owner of Nakato Restaurant which has been operating in Charlotte since 1976 – as well as being involved in restaurants in Portland, Oregon.

Headed by chef Vince Tien, Menya Daruma is modeled on traditional Japanese noodle shops focusing on ramen, the popular soup, and abura soba, noodles served in a tight sauce (think Japanese pasta). Currently, the menu lists five types of ramen, including two types of tonkotsu (pork broth) and a vegetable black truffle ramen, as well astwo presentations of abura soba. There will also be a short list of “snacks,” such as pork gyoza and tori karaage (marinated chicken thighs). In addition, the website lists “Other than Noodles” offerings as well as a kid’s menu. All items may not be available during the soft opening.

A windowed noodle room lets guests see how the ramen and soba noodles are made. TM Petaccia/UP

A separate prep kitchen is used to make pork and chicken broths, as well as the tare seasoning. “This allows us to keep rolling stocks even while we’re doing dinner service in front,” Nakato says. A dedicated noodle room features a window where guests can see the noodles being made. A variety of soy sauces and salts are being imported from Japan.

“Most ramen restaurants in the U.S. are more of a full-service style, where they incorporate sushi, grilled items, and other cooked items.” Nakato says. “This is more of a noodle-focused Japanese restaurant. Noodles are served fast and hot. That’s the model and style we want to bring to Charlotte.”

Tien has an established history of leading kitchens in New York, Miami, Portland, and Philadelphia with a main focus on Japanese cuisine.

Diners at the Menya Daruma will have a full view of the kitchen. TM Petaccia/UP

Menya has two seating areas;. the ramen counter seats 18 and offers a full view of the front kitchen. “This type of seating is popular in Japan, where they like to see what is being prepared,” Nakato says. “It also enables a fast and efficient service style. Oftentimes, the people working inside the kitchen help with the customer service as well.” The adjoining table section seats 24. Plus, there is a pickup window for carryout orders.

Menya Daruma will be open six days/week (closed Tuesdays) for lunch and dinner service. This is a “direct service” concept with all ordering and bill payment done via your smartphone.

In the final phases of construction, Kappo En will offer 10-12 omakase dining in February. TM Petaccia/UP

That’s just part one. In addition to the noodle operation, a separate section in the back of the restaurant will be home to Kappo En, a ten-seat counter restaurant which will offer 10-12 course omakase (chef’s choice) dining. A typical meal will consist of an edomae sushi course, followed by cooked and grilled items, and dessert. The menu will feature seafood and wagyu beef sourced from Japan as well as locally sourced seasonal produce. Cost has yet to be determined.

Kappo En will be led by chefs Yoshi Ono, Yasu Tabita, and Michael Le. Ono has worked in Japanese restaurants in Philadelphia and Charlotte, including Baku and Futo Buta. Tabita was the former executive chef at Bamboo Sushi in Portland, Oregon and most recently led the kitchen at Nimblefish in Portland. Le’s previous stops include Japanese omakase restaurants Hiroki in Philadelphia and Kabooki in Orlando. Before temporarily leaving Charlotte, Le worked at Pisces Sushi Bar & Lounge as head sushi chef and Baku Restaurant, where he served as sous chef.

The omakase restaurant is slated to open in mid-to-late February.

Menya Daruma / Kappo En
Pecan Point Shopping Center
1941 E 7th St,
Charlotte, NC 28204