The sisters behind Sake Express are bringing a new Japanese concept to Charlotte.
Lisa and Linda Nguyen are planning to open Yugenn in a 3,500-square-foot space at the corner of Bland Street and South Church Street with plans to open in late summer, according to reporting by Jason Thomas. The menu is expected to feature modern Japanese cuisine, sushi and a full beverage program.
The Nguyens are not new to the Greater Charlotte restaurant scene. They own Japanese restaurant Sake Express, which their father opened in Gastonia in 1998. The family opened a second location in Belmont in 2010, which closed in January. At the time, Lisa told What Now Charlotte they hope to reopen at a new location in the Belmont community, though they did not have an exact location in mind at the time.
Sake Express serves items like hibachi, teriyaki, sushi, noodle plates, rice plates, poke bowls and bento boxes.
“When our father founded Sake Express, he didn’t just teach us how to cook — he instilled in us the values of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. Today, we carry those values forward, ensuring every meal we serve is fresh, flavorful, and prepared with care,” the Sake Express website states.
What Now Charlotte reached out to Lisa for additional information on Yugenn but did not hear back prior to the time of publication.
