A new Japanese convenience store, called a konbini, is opening in downtown Cincinnati’s Court Street Plaza. Local chef Hideki Harada, who owns Japanese restaurant Kiki in College Hill and Sen, a fish and seafood butcher shop in Findlay Market, will hold a grand opening for Daruma Friday, Feb. 16 starting at 11 a.m.
“I’m really looking forward to being back downtown and being part of all the exciting things happening in the city,” Harada said in a press release. “With a growing number of downtown employees returning to the office, there’s an increased demand for weekday lunch options – and Daruma will provide options that are healthy, unique and convenient.”
Daruma will carry a variety of authentic Japanese household staples like sauces and condiments, as well as candy and snacks. It will also have grab-and-go meals, like sushi, onigiri and rice balls made with ingredients like pork belly, pickled plum and ham and cheese. Customers can also pick up some sake and beer, and there will be a hot water dispenser for making tea and instant cup noodles.
“I’m very excited to bring something new to the city, where folks can purchase Japanese items they can’t easily find nearby,” said Harada. “Daruma is a place where people can discover and try new things — a place where you may even find a few surprises.”
Daruma was designed by local firm Team B Architecture & Design and features light-colored wood and Japanese aesthetics throughout. The space also includes an outdoor patio where customers can sit and eat.
Once open, Daruma will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and be closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Daruma, 31 E. Court St., Downtown. More info: instagram.com/darumacincy.
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