Hachioji City is set to energize its dining scene with the anticipated openings of two new restaurants, each promising unique culinary experiences for residents and visitors alike. First up is the upcoming "炭火焼レストラン ククー" slated for launch by March 2025, followed by the newly opened kitchen sharing space, "shitagoya," which welcomed its first establishment earlier this month.
"炭火焼レストラン ククー" is associated with the beloved "Grill&Bar Bu BARBEC," renowned for its charcoal-grilled dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients such as the Saitama brand pork, "はぎちくポーク," and organic vegetables. Owner 仲井恵介 expressed his vision for the new establishment, stating, "ククー（Coucou）はよりカジュアルに利用できて、お酒を飲まない食事だけの方でも気軽に来ていただけるお店にしたいなと思っています。" This approach aims to create a relaxed dining environment where patrons can enjoy delicious food without feeling pressured to consume alcohol.
Located just minutes from 戸田駅, the restaurant's strategic position under the JR tracks makes it highly accessible. Many regulars of "Grill&Bar Bu BARBEC" are eagerly awaiting the new venue, which is positioned to draw both new and returning guests. The upcoming spring opening is expected to bolster the local dining industry significantly, aligning with several other restaurant openings nearby.
On the other hand, "shitagoya," which opened its doors on January 17, 2025, features various culinary offerings. It serves as both a cooking space for aspiring chefs and a unique venue where food enthusiasts can experience different flavors each week, depending on which chef is featured. Among the notable newcomers at "shitagoya" is the popular kitchen car, "梵福天 欧風地元カレー." This establishment has built quite the reputation for its spicy European-style curry, topped with incredibly thick "極厚カツカレー," featuring pork cutlets with about 3 cm thickness.
山岸千恵, the founder of "梵福天," emphasized her hope for local children to cherish her curry as their hometown flavor, saying, "地元の味・故郷の味として「梵福天」のカレーを覚えていてほしい。" With such strong emotional ties to the community, she aims for her dishes to evoke nostalgia for both current residents and future generations.
Fans of thick pork cutlets might find delighting themselves at "shitagoya" as they enjoy the crunchy texture and rich flavors of the curry, alongside optional toppings like the mildly flavored "ガーリックキノコ." Fridays at "shitagoya" have been dubbed "カレーの日," coinciding with the popular naval tradition of consuming curry on Fridays, making it the perfect occasion for curry enthusiasts.
The grand opening of "炭火焼レストラン ククー" and the debut of "梵福天" at "shitagoya" symbolize Hachioji City's growing culinary presence. With four confirmed tenants, including "匠苑にくいち 戸田店," "The MALT SHOVEL," and others, the thriving area around 戸田駅 is on the verge of blossoming, showcasing the wish of diverse food offerings and innovative dining experiences for local residents.
These new concepts not only add excitement to dining options but also highlight the entrepreneurial spirit present within the community. From hearty pork cutlets to flavorful local curry, Hachioji is gearing up for an engaging spring filled with culinary exploration and new finds. The anticipation for the variety of flavors coming to town continues to grow, as with every new addition to this vibrant area, new culinary adventures await.