This story is featured in CityBeat’s May 15 print edition.
Cincinnati is always diversifying its palette when it comes to restaurant options. With the recent success of the Asian Food Festival and new spots opening that feature menu items from around the world, it’s apparent that there is a desire for a more inclusive food scene. Despite this, access to food and grocery items from other countries remains limited. Daruma, a newly opened Japanese convenience store, is looking to change that.
Daruma models itself after convenience stores found throughout Japan. Blending together both convenience and quality food items, the store sells Japanese sodas, snacks and lunch items like onigiri and poke bowls. All these items and more can be grabbed, self–scanned and paid for in seconds. The unique blend of quick service and Japanese food makes for a great destination in downtown Cincinnati.
Hideki Harada, who owns Kiki and Sen by Kiki, is the brains behind Daruma, which opened in February.
“We’re filling the void with the convenience factor with things like the grab-and-go items and just having an Asian market in downtown,” Harada tells CityBeat.
Harada also explained how his storefront differs from others currently operating out of Downtown. “Our options are on the healthier side of things. It’s just a grab-and-go with the rice balls and sushi rolls, so it’s just a lighter option compared to what else is around Court Street.”
As someone who’s always moving, quick and convenient food options are a staple. It’s also a staple for those living and working in the busy downtown area. There may be plenty of quick bite options around Cincinnati, but the added health benefits of fresh ingredients and simple food sets Daruma apart from the rest. The takeaway items are all prepared by hand in the kitchen attached to the storefront, so freshness is guaranteed.
If you’re not in the mood for fresh sushi or poke, Daruma also offers plenty of sweet and savory treats, like candy and chips, normally found in Japan. The store also features a hot noodle station where guests can select their favorite cup of ramen in the store and prepare it there. Need something to wash all these delicious snacks down with? Daruma also sells Japanese juices, sodas and alcoholic beverages.
With so much to choose from, how can one possibly decide which items to indulge in? Do you go for exotic snacks or fresh food items? Harada shares the more popular selections in the store with CityBeat.
“The most popular items are the rice balls. We do sell a lot of Japanese snacks. Seems like a lot of office workers around here tend to grab snacks to just eat at the office to enjoy on their breaks. We also sell a lot of the Japanese drinks.”
Harada hopes the warmer weather will bring in even more patrons.
“We opened at the end of February,” Harada says. “Things have been good. We’ve been seeing an increase in traffic after the weather breaked [sic]. It’s nicer out. We had some snow days, some rainy days. It’s definitely weather-related in this neighborhood.”
With things off to a good start for Daruma, it continues the trail of success Harada has paved in Cincinnati. Harada is also the owner of two other local establishments — Kiki in College Hill and Sen by Kiki inside Findlay Market. Kiki is a full-service restaurant that emphasizes Japanese street food and ramen. Sen by Kiki is a fish market that focuses on sourcing fresh and sushi-grade seafood. Sen also offers oyster service for those looking to enjoy fast and fresh seafood in Findlay Market.
With so many different business ventures you’d think each would come with its own set of challenges. However, Harada seems confident in Daruma and believes that the store’s uniqueness will carry it to success. When asked if he’s faced any new challenges with the convenience store, Harada told CityBeat, “No, I think if anything I filled a gap. I filled a spot in downtown for the dwellers that live here that don’t really have a place to buy staples for if they want to do any Japanese food at home.”
This brings attention to some of Daruma’s more interesting items. Aside from just snacks and ready-to-go food, the store also offers a variety of Japanese ingredients like store-branded rice and different specialty sauces. These items, which might be a little less obtainable to those living in the downtown area, can be used to prepare Japanese-style dishes at home. Harada hopes Daruma and his fish market inspire more people to try Japanese home cooking.
It’s no wonder Daruma is already creating a name for itself. Not only does the store offer a unique selection of items, it also offers a unique experience. The store is wall-to-wall organized with Japanese products. Starting with the Japanese snacks as soon as you walk in, you can take your pick of pantry items until you reach the fridges. There, you will find the prepped lunch items like sushi and rice balls. Then you will circle to the Japanese drink selection, which will carry you to the ingredients and self-checkout space. Between the self-scanning and tiny layout, the whole process feels extremely streamlined.
“For the people that are thinking about coming down, don’t expect a full-blown convenience store. It’s very small, quaint. Really, we just want to be there for the people living downtown, working downtown. We have really great food that’s grab-and-go. We’re just a cute convenience store.”
If you’re interested in checking out Daruma, the storefront is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Daruma, 31 E. Court St., Downtown. Info: instagram.com/darumacincy.
This article appears in May 1-14, 2024.
