Empire Korean Steakhouse and Bar is preparing to close,
but the space will promptly transition to a new restaurant concept operated by
the same family.
“My dad is taking over the business operations,” said Kevin
Huang, who has been running Empire Korean Steakhouse since it opened in October
2022. Huang said the new restaurant, Japan House, will be “traditional sushi
and all-you-can-eat hibachi, minus the grills.
“This will be more centered around the food and less around
the entertainment,” Huang said. “Guests will be able to get that style of food,
but it will be made in the kitchen.”
His father, Peter Huang, purchased the property at 2100 W. White Oaks Dr. when it was initially leased to TGI Fridays, but that restaurant closed in 2020 during the statewide pandemic shutdown and never reopened. The space was then leased to Million’s Crab Boiled Seafood, a Cajun seafood chain based in Ohio, but that venture lasted less than a year before closing. Once the space became vacant again, the father and son relocated from Georgia to open their own restaurant in Springfield.
However, Huang said the location has proven to be somewhat of a challenge, despite the proximity to Veterans Parkway.
“It’s kind of hidden from the main roads, not a lot of people
see us going by,” he said.
Huang hopes the transition to a different dining format will
help address other concerns that have arisen.
“It’s hard for the everyday family to be able to come out to
eat,” he said. “Our food (at Empire) is a little too niche.”
Huang noted that the all-you-can-eat menu price was lowered
in an attempt to make it more affordable, “but it’s not plausible for us to
lower our prices any further without being detrimental to our quality.”
He said the format of Empire Korean Steakhouse also limited
the customers it attracted.
“It’s hard for people to come out during lunch time; it takes
time to sit down and grill,” Huang said. He also said that some people are
opposed to the idea of cooking their own food if they’re going out to eat.
The hope is that Japan House will be “more affordable for
normal families, nothing that will break the bank for them,” he said.
Huang said that while he is not involved in designing the new
space or planning the menu, he plans to assist with the transition.
“I’m going to help him run it for a few months and see how it
goes. Some of my staff is staying with me as well, and depending on how it’s
received, we may hire more people,” he said.
Huang said the restaurant will continue to operate as Empire
Korean Steakhouse for another week or so, depending on inventory and staffing.
“We have a lot of loyal guests, and I’m appreciative of
everyone who has supported us,” he said. “It’s what makes us special and makes
it all worth it.”
