2009.06.18
Hibachi Express location opens in Salem
On June 1, Hibachi Express opened its third restaurant in the Roanoke Valley in the Lakeside Shopping Plaza - in the former location of Sake House. Owner Shamming Chen also has two other locations: the first in Towers Shopping Center and the second Valley View Mall.
Chen's older generations of family used to own a restaurant chain in mainland China, but everyone's here in the U.S. now, said employee Amy Jing. Here's a brief question and answer with Shamming Chen - translated through employee Amy Jing:
Q: What made you want to start your restaurants in the Roanoke and Salem area? Is there anything special about this area to you?
A: I think Roanoke is a great place to settle and start family bussiness...love the people here.
Q: Are you passionate about food? What is it about food that you love?
A: Most of my family are in the resturant business ... It's our dream to have chain of resturant, and bring great food to the community.
Q: What is your favorite dish at Hibachi? What is your favorite dish of all time?
A: Personally Filet Mignon and Hibachi Shrimp is my favorite..the perfect steak and shrimp combo. it one of our most popular dishes.
Q: What is it that makes Hibachi special?
A: The special ingredients sauce that we use to cook the dish...and the way we cook it right out of the grill ... so you get the most fresh and tasty dish.
Q: Do you have plans for more restaurants?
A: Maybe in the future.
