A brand new fusion Izakata bar and restaurant called Izakaya Ichie is coming to Bueno Park, located at 6920 Beach Blvd Unit K124.
The new restaurant will replace Yang’s Braised Chicken Rice in April 2022, according to Owner Joe Siwoo An. He tells What Now Los Angeles customers can expect a variety of Japanese cuisines such as box sashimi, hot and cold izakaya plates, and noodle dishes. A recent liquor license application also suggests that the restaurant will serve beer, sake, shochu, Japanese whiskey, and cocktails. Siwoo An says a highlight of the restaurant will be their combo platters with up to 100 menu items.
Siwoo An is no stranger to the restaurant or business industry. Before this new venture, he served as the CEO of Bibigo, a company that offers an array of Korean-inspired dumplings, sauces, and frozen meals that can be made at home. When Siqoo An first arrived in Los Angeles from the Seattle area, he worked for six years as the business operations manager for CJ Foodville USA. The company proudly runs four different restaurants (VIPS, VIPS Burgers, The Place, and Chiljemyunso) in 130 locations worldwide.
When Izakaya Ichie does open, it will sit on the outskirts of The Source OC Shopping Mall. The shopping center is known for its assortment of Asian restaurants, with a significant number of Korean restaurants. The new Japanese izakaya restaurant will have to compete with the likes of Yoshiharu Ramen, Arisu Korean BBQ, Han Sang, and Fifty One. Despite the high competition, Izakaya Ichie hopes to bring the flavors of Japan to Buena Park.