On the Movie
Popular Austin Japanese restaurant announces big move

After five successful years at 4917 Airport Blvd., Komé Sushi Kitchen is moving to a larger space just three blocks up the street, taking over the former Cash America Pawn building at 5301 Airport Blvd.
"Fear not, the sake pouring, maki rolling, and irrashaimase shouting will continue at our current location through September," says director of operations Elizabeth Hyman in statement.
It's a big move for the contemporary Japanese restaurant, but, according to Hyman, the food menu will not change much. The team may add a few new items and take away some that just didn't work.
The new bar will only have a few seats, but it will now offer liquor (pending approval from theTexas Alcoholic Beverage Commission), a new cocktail menu complete with sake cocktails, and an ample wine list. There will also be Asahi on draft and a selection of bottled and canned beer.
The new location is being designed by Richard Weiss, whose impressive portfolio includes Komé's sister restaurants Daruma Ramen and Sa-tén Coffee & Eats, as well as Alamo Drafthouse and The Highball. Decor will be similar to the current spot, including a large mural on the back wall and some new key pieces imported from chef/owners Take and Kayo Asazu's family in Japan. The dining area will increase from 72 seats to roughly 90, and a new patio will add even more capacity.
The space will have a private dining room for up to 20 guests, which will be used to host occasional sake dinners and classes for the public. The parking lot will be about 50 percent larger than the current lot. The Asazus also plan to expand the lobby and make it more comfortable for customers waiting for a table.
"As long as construction goes as planned, we are slated to open by the beginning of October. There will be a week towards the end of September when we will close during the transition. But, hopefully, by the first week of October, we'll be open for business," Hyman says.
The husband-and-wife duo is also working on a new concept, Ni-Kome, for Fareground, the highly anticipated marketplace opening this fall downtown.