Owen Kamihira, the owner of popular Tex-Mex eatery El Camino Real, is partnering with his sons Leksander and Toshiro Kamihira to open Joe and Kay Produce at 702-704 North 2nd Street. The Kamihiras hope to open the 1,000 square foot restaurant in early summer.
Joe and Kay Produce will serve izakaya cuisine, which Owen Kamihira describes to What Now Philadelphia as “Japanese comfort food, the food I grew up eating. We’ll have great bar food.”
Kamihira chose the location for its vintage atmosphere, stating “It’s a great portion of Northern Liberties, more reminiscent of the Old Northern Liberties. It’s a space I’ve always liked, with an old school bar feel.”
Joe and Kay Produce is a true family affair. Kamihira has wanted to undertake this project with his sons for many years. Additionally, Kamihira chose to honor his grandparents with the name Joe and Kay Produce. The restaurateur says “The name is an homage to my grandfather’s farm in Washington, which he ran prior to World War II and the internment of many Japanese-Americans, including my family”
Though Joe and Kay Produce is still in the construction phase, Kamihira hints at some of the carefully crafted dishes to come. “We’ll include a pork noodle dish that comes in a hot pork broth with hand-cut, thick udon noodles in lieu of a ramen dish. It will be made with slow braised pork belly.”
Kamihira will be working hand-in-hand with the chef to create the menu. He will also be developing a cocktail menu for the establishment.
Joe and Kay produce will provide indoor seating for 50 guests in the main dining area and 12 more at the bar. The restaurant will also offer outdoor seating for 20 to 40 customers.
