Japanese-American food counter DŌZO is opening a full-service restaurant in Dilworth
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DOZO will relocate to the former Fern: Flavors of the Garden space this fall. Photo: Danny Charland/courtesy of DOZO
DŌZO will relocate from Wesley Heights' City Kitch to Dilworth this fall, reopening as a full-service restaurant and bar.
Why it matters: In just under a year, this 12-seat counter in a shared commercial kitchen has outgrown its digs. Now, the team's going bigger and launching a full restaurant and bar to keep up with demand — and to try out new dishes and drinks.
State of play: The Japanese-American comfort food spot will shorten its hours at its current location ahead of its final day of service on Sept. 27.
What's happening: Co-owner Perry Saito, who also runs the popular Japanese food truck Katsu Kart, will open the new DŌZO at 1419 East Blvd., in the space previously occupied by Fern: Flavors of the Garden, which closed last year.
- He's aiming to open by Nov. 1, though possibly sooner, he tells Axios.
Context: Saito and co-owner/sous chef John Gamble launched DŌZO last September in a 600-square-foot City Kitch stall with 12 seats.
- The cozy counter quickly became a go-to for affordable, generous portions of Japanese comfort food with American twists, like crab fried rice and hot honey chicken karaage.
What to expect: While the Wesley Heights space was designed mostly for takeout, the new DŌZO will be a full restaurant and bar with seating for 30–34 indoors, plus a 30-seat patio with a more lounge-like vibe.
- The patio will have QR ordering for small bites and drinks.
Other upgrades planned for the Dilworth location include:
Expanded hours: The new space will serve dinner until 10pm.
A similar but "polished" menu: Favorites like crab fried rice and okonomiyaki will remain, but the menu will grow.
- Lunch will feature teishoku, a set meal similar to a bento box, but with more variety.
- An expanded fresh fish program will highlight sustainable species beyond tuna, hamachi and salmon.
An expanded bar program: The Dilworth location will have a full cocktail list, spotlighting Japanese whiskey highballs and approachable small-brewery sakes.
What they're saying: "We are so proud of the great food and experiences we have created in this space and thank the people of the city of Charlotte for the incredible support and patronage," Saito said in a statement.