Mexican restaurant Íxta is undergoing a rebrand, with plans to convert the concept to a new Japanese-Brazilian restaurant called Kobano at 299 Bowery.
Íxta closed on Jan. 6 to begin the revamp, according to an Instagram announcement.
“We’re so grateful for your love and support over the years and we hope you continue to support our new concept,” the announcement states.
Co-owner Mike Himani told What Now New York that economic conditions inspired the pivot in concept.
“We had a lot of competition regarding the Mexican concept, so we decided to go a different route and bring new innovations,” Himani said. “Hopefully people will accept it and they will like it.”
Himani said they are still finetuning the menu, but customers can expect plenty of small plates and sushi dishes with unique spins. There will also be an entirely new cocktail menu. The interior is also undergoing cosmetic renovations that will create a different atmosphere for Kobano.
“It’s an entire change in the menu, as well as different presentations, different furniture, different artwork inside the restaurant,” Himani said.
Himani said they are aiming for a February reopening, though it is dependent on the progress of renovations.
“We’ll be coming back very soon,” Himani said.
