‘This is fantastic’ – Grand opening held for Kobe Sushi & Hibachi

John Jiang was hoping Tuesday’s hot, muggy weather was not going to hurt people’s urges to have a good sushi meal and other Japanese food. That’s because Tuesday, Aug. 27, was the grand opening of his new Davenport restaurant – Kobe Sushi & Hibachi at 5242 Elmore Ave. “Here we are, having our grand opening […]

John Jiang was hoping Tuesday’s hot, muggy weather was not going to hurt people’s urges to have a good sushi meal and other Japanese food. That’s because Tuesday, Aug. 27, was the grand opening of his new Davenport restaurant – Kobe Sushi & Hibachi at 5242 Elmore Ave.

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“Here we are, having our grand opening on the hottest day of the year. … We appreciate you all being here,” said Mr. Jiang, one of the owners of the new Japanese restaurant.  The restaurant is located on the south end of the shopping center that also houses BioLife Plasma Services and Plato’s Closet. (Kobe’s location was once home to a Rogan’s Shoes store.) About 50 members of the Quad Cities business community gathered Tuesday to help welcome the new restaurant. The grand-opening events featured a Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony, and champagne served to visitors and guests touring the new establishment. “This is fantastic. … Thank you very much for investing in the Quad Cities,” said Brian Irby, the chamber’s chief operating, said during the opening ceremonies. Even though Tuesday was the official grand opening of Kobe’s, the restaurant has been open and serving customers since June. In the past several weeks, it has been getting a lot of customers who like the food and the bright décor of the restaurant. “I’d say 99% of the people like what we’re doing … They like this place,” said Mr. Jiang. Some of the features drawing in the customers include a bright interior that includes white marble on the walls; a bar area; modern lighting fixtures; and even a feature that brings back some fond memories – a cotton candy machine. Several members of the business community were gathered around that machine to watch it make their favorite type of cotton candy. However, for most customers, the food is the main attraction. Some of the dishes on the menu include: 

• Sushi platter with nine pieces of sushi and a California roll.
• Sashimi platter with 15 pieces of sashimi and Japanese rice.
• Tri-color sushi with three pieces of tuna, three pieces of salmon and three pieces of yellowtail sushi.
• Love Cruise for Two. This includes 12 pieces of sushi, 18 pieces of sashimi, California roll and dragon roll.
• Unadon, which is boiled eel over rice.
• Hibachi combo dinner. This includes a main course,  a clear soup, salad, hibachi vegetables, fried rice and two hibachi shrimp.

Those menu items – and many others – have been attracting a lot of foodie fans in the community. One of those fans posted these comments on Kobe’s Facebook page: “We have been here four times since the soft opening. This is definitely the best sushi and hibachi ... bar none. Kobe's owner and staff are kind and personable and the best at what they do.” The restaurant has about 30 employees, said Mr. Jiang. Kobe Sushi & Hibachi is open seven days a week. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. It can be reached at (563) 205-8462 or visit Kobe online.