(Photo from Instagram.)
A self-service, cafeteria-style Japanese noodle restaurant is coming to East Dallas early this summer.
Marugame Udon will open at 5500 Greenville Ave. in the Old Town Shopping Center, CultureMap reported. It will occupy the space that was once Baker Bros. American Deli, which closed in November.
The restaurant chain was founded in Japan in 2000 and has expanded to 1,000 locations, according to CultureMap. The first U.S. location opened in Hawaii in 2011, followed by seven outposts in California.
Mark Brezinski, co-founder of Pei Wei and Velvet Taco, is working to bring the chain to Texas.
Unlike ramen, udon noodles are thicker and chewier. Cheaper than their noodle counterpart, they became a big trend in Japan in the 2000s, CultureMap reported.
At Marugame Udon, each bowl of udon is prepared to order. Bowls come with noodles, broth, toppings and garnishes. Toppings include curry, beef, Thai spicy chicken and more.
From there, customers can complete their dish at a condiment station that has additional ingredients like garlic, green onion and cilantro.
But Marugame isn’t just a noodle shop. It serves chicken, shrimp and veggie tempura, along with grilled skewers and chicken sandwiches on an expanded lunch menu.
The eatery will also feature draft beer and sake on tap.
