ICYMI: Teriyaki Madness opening in early May next to Hickory Tavern at the Metropolitan

Metropolitan seems like a high rent location for the concept, but they’re clearly aiming for the Chipotle clientele, not the Panda Express clientele.

“We’re pleased to welcome Teriyaki Madness to Metropolitan,” said Sara Haight, general manager of the property. “It’s a complementary addition to our dining offerings, and we’re excited to have them be a part of our center.”

“We were looking for an urban, mixed-use development,” said Ken Fay, franchise owner of Teriyaki Madness. “When the opportunity for space at Metropolitan, a premier center, became available, we were excited to work with the Bayer team to make it a reality. The combination of the great location in Charlotte, coupled with one of the best mix of retail and restaurant options made this an ideal location for our concept.”

Because I’m a great journalist, I went to the Teriyaki Madness restaurant in Mallard Creek and ate Asian food alone at 11 a.m. so that I can bring you the straight facts on what you need to know.

9 things you need to know to prepare yourself for the madness, Teriyaki-style.

(1) It’s an order at the counter and then get a number type of place (like Newk’s or Zoës – not Chipotle).

(2) Simple menu. You choose a bowl or plate (larger). Then you choose an entree, rice and side.

(3) I ordered the Orange Chicken Bowl with fried rice and vegetables. The bowl was oddly expensive at $9.79 without a drink.

(4) Chopstick fork! I’ve never seen this utensil before and I enjoyed using it. Good weight.

(5) Teriyaki Madness does large portions and I took some of my Orange Chicken Bowl to go. Tasted fresher/healthier than I thought it would.

(6) Serious vegetable pride.

(7) Table sauce options. The teriyaki sauce is made in house and it’s tasty.

(8) As I sat alone and ate my bowl like a loser, I looked around and giggled at the signage. I’m very impressed by the sign humor at Teriyaki Madness.

(9) Overall, name is bad, logo is bad, but the food is B+ Asian cuisine with typical large portions and not typical large prices. I’ll go there occasionally when they open at the Metropolitan.