A brand new Japanese gastropub, Izakaya Ko, is preparing to debut in Jacksonville, located at 1198 Beach Blvd.
This is the latest venture from the Tung Brothers, comprised of Jimmy and Johnny Tung, who are behind Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, along with Adi Wiwaran, the former head chef of Norikase in Tinseltown, according to the Florida Times-Union. The trio expects to open Izakaya Ko in the Summer of 2024, possibly as soon as next month. The new restaurant’s name literally translates to “stay-drink-place” and is described as a first-of-its-kind Japanese gastropub.
The Tung Brothers opened the first Bento restaurant in Gainesville in the summer of 2002. They have since opened over 20 locations and are growing across the Sunshine State. The two are also Norikase, which evolved from a Bento restaurant. Now, they will team up with Wiwaran to open a new joint venture in the former home of Beach Boulevard Bento, offering yakitori, sushi, and Japanese small plates.
“We were inspired by Jax Beach’s laid-back beach vibes and decided to open this concept near the beach,” Johnny Tung said in announcing the restaurant. “This will be Jacksonville’s first izakaya-focused restaurant. Widely known for its laid-back atmosphere, small plates, and vast drink selection, an izakaya serves as a social hub where friends and co-workers gather to grab a drink, settle in, and get comfortable.”
