"Jimmy Ishii plans to open a new concept, Robata Ramen & Yakitori Bar, in the Overton Square’s historic Griffin House.
The Memphis restaurateur signed a 1,526-square-foot lease at 2116 Madison Avenue, taking a yellow house which remained residential during the district’s commercial heyday.
Robata Ramen & Yakitori Bar, taking its name from the Japanese word for “fireside,” is an izakaya bar and grill serving kushiyaki skewers of grilled meat and vegetables, kara-age bite-sized fried chicken, ramen noodle soups and other traditional Japanese items.
Chefs will serve customers seated at the bar using a paddle. This method comes from an old Japanese method of fishermen passing meals from boat to boat."