To paraphrase an old adage, the Wharf doesn’t close a burger shop without opening a noodle restaurant. While local diners are understandably sad to see Lucky Buns officially closed at its neighborhood location, they’ll find a balm for their wounds at the upcoming JINYA Ramen taking over the space, reports PoPville.
Helmed by Sam Shoja, JINYA’s sole DMV-area franchisee, the eatery will be setting up its kitchen at 675 Wharf Street SW. Lucky Buns served its last customer in that location on March 30th of this year; given that the space still needs to be transformed into its next incarnation, Wharf diners may be in for a bit of a wait before digging into JINYA’s cuisine. An opening timeline is not presently available, however What Now DC has reached out to Shoja for more details.
Eater Washington D.C. states that the size and scenic location of the restaurant made it highly appealing to Shoja. The space, which features al fresco dining on a patio complete with a bar, can accommodate up to 200 guests. Visitors will be able to enjoy the waterfront view as they enjoy their meals.
JINYA was founded in Tokyo in 2000 but made its way to the United States in 2010. It has spread to include 60 locations across the US and Canada, fueled by dedicated care to authentic cuisine. The website explains “JINYA is ramen culture, where the relationship between broth and noodles is serious but delicious business. From the water we use to prepare our broths – FUJI Water – to the special aging process that our noodles undergo before they’re cooked and served, we’re crazy about ramen and pay meticulous attention to everything that goes into your bowl.”
