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Barbershop Transformed into Soulful Hibachi Lounge
10 Feb
Summary
- Two friends transformed an old barbershop into a unique hibachi restaurant.
- Yakitori Hibachi Lounge fuses Japanese hibachi with soul food flavors.
- The owners invested heavily, even selling personal items to establish the business.
A former barbershop in Roselawn has been reimagined as Yakitori Hibachi Lounge, a unique Black-owned restaurant offering a fusion of Japanese hibachi and soul food. Co-owners Jason Chapman and Kenneth Bibb, childhood friends and Cincinnati natives, aimed to bring a distinct culinary experience to their community, which they noted lacked dining options.
The duo undertook extensive renovations themselves, turning the old barbershop into their "urban hibachi lounge." This labor-intensive process included working for two years without revenue and selling personal assets, such as Chapman's motorcycle, to sustain their dream. They officially opened Yakitori in June 2023.
Chapman leads the kitchen, developing a menu that includes classic hibachi fare alongside specialty items like jerk lamb chops and fried lobster tails, reflecting his soul food background. Bibb and Chapman expressed gratitude for the business's current success and hope it inspires other local entrepreneurs.
