The culinary landscape of Longview is soon to welcome a new member, Okidoki Hibachi Express. Expected to open doors in spring, the progressive hibachi outlet is the brainchild of Tommy and Holis Hariyanto. With a vision to serve an assortment of hibachi-style dishes, Okidoki aims to introduce a fresh dining experience to the Longview community.
Inspired by their visit to a Japanese steakhouse eight years ago, the Hariyanto brothers envision Okidoki as the go-to place for delicious hibachi grills. The new eatery, located at 1204 Alpine Road, will offer both dine-in and takeout services, catering to a wide range of dining preferences.
The brothers’ established success in launching outlets in Texarkana, Shreveport, and Marshall and the increasing popularity of Japanese food have led them to choose Longview as their next expansion. Renovation works are ongoing with an expected launch in April or May.
The menu will include traditional Japanese favourites like chicken teriyaki and Japanese-style fried noodles, with the intention to introduce the authenticity and richness of Japanese cuisine to Longview. The Hariyanto brothers also plan to introduce a sushi bar and seasonal menus, adding variety and showcasing regional specialties from Japan.
Meanwhile, in other local business news, U Ship Hallsville recently hit a milestone by shipping its 1,000th package since its inception in July. Founded by Eddie Maldonado and Heath Pickering, the firm has been instrumental in simplifying the process of returning items ordered online for the local community, while adding jobs to the local market.
U Ship Hallsville operates from 212 Renaissance St. and serves as an authorized center for UPS, FedEx, and the U.S. Postal Service. Their growth is largely attributable to the rise in online shopping and the subsequent need for efficient returns. However, their services are not limited to regular shipping. They also dispatch oversized or heavy items through different means and provide additional services like eBay selling service, secure document destruction, virtual mailboxes, and high-volume printing.
U Ship Hallsville operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, individuals can visit them or call at (903) 668-6161.
