Modern Japanese Restaurant to Debut in Downtown Charleston This Fall

Shokudo will serve ramen, handmade dumplings and grilled skewers inspired by robata-style cooking, featuring dishes "prepared with precision and heart."

Courtney McGinley Regional Reporter
Photo: Official

A modern Japanese restaurant is set to open in Downtown Charleston later this year.

Shokudo, the latest concept from Indigo Road Hospitality Group, will debut at 479 King St. and be led by chef Masatomo “Masa” Hamaya. Masa is a Tokyo-trained chef born and raised in Japan. Hamaya has cooked at acclaimed restaurants across the country, including Uchiko in Austin and the Michelin-starred Ame in San Francisco.

According to a recent Instagram post, Shokudo will feature a menu inspired by robata-style cooking—an age-old Japanese grilling technique using hot charcoal. Guests can expect ramen, handmade dumplings and grilled skewers, along with a few unexpected twists.

The restaurant continued, stating all the food will be “prepared with precision and heart. Behind every dish is a story, and we can’t wait to share them with you.”

While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, the restaurant is hoping to debut this fall.

What Now Charleston reached out to Shokudo, however the team has not yet responded. This article may be updated.

Who is Indigo Road Hospitality Group

The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is a Charleston, South Carolina-based company founded in 2009 by restaurateur Steve Palmer. What began with a single restaurant has grown into a collection of more than two dozen concepts across the Southeast, including locations in Charleston, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte and Washington, D.C.

The group operates a range of restaurants such as O‑Ku, Oak Steakhouse, Indaco and The Cocktail Club.

“At The Indigo Road, no two concepts are the same—because no two places are the same. Whether it’s a hotel, a restaurant, or a rooftop bar, we don’t impose a brand; we uncover a story. Every space we create is shaped by the history, culture, and character of its surroundings, forging an authentic connection between past and present, guest and destination,” the group’s website reads.

Known for its people-first approach, Indigo Road emphasizes hospitality, community, and creating meaningful guest experiences. 

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Regional Reporter
Courtney McGinley is a Regional Reporter based in Pittsburgh, PA. A graduate of Penn State University's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, she has been working as a journalist since earning her degree. Before joining What Now Media Group, Courtney was a Live News Fellow at Newsweek, where she gained experience in writing, breaking news reporting, interviewing, and editing. She was also nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants, coffee shops, and cocktail bars.
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