Japanese restaurant chain in bid to open in Coventry

A POPULAR Japanese-korean restaurant could soon be making its way to Coventry. Plans have been submitted for a KOKORO restaurant to open in the busy city centre.

If approved, the restaurant will take over the former Holland and Barrett store on Broadgate. KOKORO would sit next to the former Topshop store.

KOKORO, founded by Rak-kyu Park, has grown into one of the most popular Asian cuisine restaurant chains in the UK with premises all over the country, including in Leeds, Bournemouth and Glasgow.

Now, they are looking to expand with plans submitted for a restaurant in the heart of the city.

Plans would see high stool seating at the front and chilled fridges at the side of the restaurant. A counter will sit in the middle with the kitchen at the rear of the building.

Signage would also be emblazoned on the shop front with the company name as well as a sticker that reads: ‘Freshly Prepared, Quality Ingredients.’

Currently, the building sits vacant and has been ‘completely stripped out’ with bare walls and flooring, ready for refurbishment.

It’s understood the restaurant, based inside the Grade Ii-listed building, would have 10 to 30 seats. A seated area will definitely be available, but the key focus will be on takeaway.

Offering both a hot and cold menu, there will be plenty to choose from such as ‘Chicken Katsu Curry’ and ‘Sweet & Sour Chicken’ from the hot menu to a wide selection of Sushi and Sashimi dishes from the cold menu. All food would be prepared fresh on-site daily.

If approved, the restaurant would open from 9am to 9.30pm on weekdays staying open for an extra half an hour on Saturdays. It will then open between the hours of 10am and 9.30pm on Sundays.

Kokoro has said they hope to offer customers an alternative to the ‘day-today pasta, sandwiches and salads.’ A decision is expected to be made on Thursday, December 8.