The Fuji Japanese Steakhouse could open in January at the former Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, pictured above.
A new Japanese steakhouse could open at the former Mr. Gatti’s Pizza in central Oak Ridge by early January, a development company said Monday.
The new restaurant will be named Fuji Japanese Steakhouse, and it will serve Hibachi-style cuisine and freshly made sushi, Cappiello Real Estate and Development Company said in a press release.
The 3,600-square-foot building on Wilson Street is being converted into a Japanese steakhouse with Asian décor, and the former kitchen space is being renovated.
It’s a new undertaking by restaurateur Chris Li of Cookeville, who currently operates a quick service and take-out restaurant in Cookeville near Tennessee Tech, Cappiello Real Estate said. The press release said Li wanted to branch out with a larger establishment.
The company said Fuji Japanese Steakhouse, which will be at one of the entrances to the redeveloped Oak Ridge mall (renamed Main Street Oak Ridge), will offer a different style of dining than the other traditional Asian restaurants in the city. The restaurant will be ideal for family dinners, business lunches, and parties in one of two large party rooms that can be reserved, the press release said.
“With my father co-owning the first privately owned restaurant in Oak Ridge, I respect the hard work and dedication that all restaurateurs must endure,” said Tony Cappiello, the principal of Cappiello Real Estate and Development. “Living and working in this community for so many years, I try to bring diverse and unique concepts to the community while not infringing on the hard work of so many existing restaurateurs. Mr. Li’s concept should be well-received in Oak Ridge. We welcome him and wish him success!”
For more information, call Casey Irwin, affiliate broker and leasing agent at Cappiello Real Estate, at (865) 482-1214.
Philip W Nipper says
Seems I remember a Sinclare gas station being at that location once upon a time. Can anyone confirm?
Ray Evans says
Correct.
Ray Evans says
Passed by the Fuji Hibachi & Sushi Restaurant in Cookeville yesterday. No sure if that’s his place in Cookeville or not. Nice appearance on the outside. Good reputation.
Ellen Smith says
It’s good to see a new business tenant adapt an existing building for a new use — and to see a new restaurant that serves a cuisine that isn’t already well-represented here.
Aditya "Doc" Savara says
I agree. Now let’s see if it’s tasty even though I don’t eat out normally!