Though delayed for over a year because of various reasons, Ieyasu on West Adams Street may be open by the end of the month says owner/operator Robert Humphries.
“I can’t tell you how ready I am to finally open so we can surprise downtown,” said Humphries, formerly of Shogun Steak and Seafood in Orange Park. “I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I can’t wait to get to get back to work.”
Working with contractor Greg Huston, Humphries began renovating the first floor space in the W.A. Knight Building in January. Since then he has removed over a 1,000 pounds of concrete, installed a 750 pound grease trap — “It’s about the size of a VW,” said Huston — and built a new waiting area and sushi bar.
This week, he’ll be interviewing for wait staff positions.
“We’re getting there,” said Humphries. “I’m actually really lucky because my head chef and sous chef have been very patient with me while all of this has been going on.”
Head chef Hiro Shoda is from Japan. Sous chef Karine Cossement came from France to work with Humphries.
Following a private party to celebrate the opening, Humphries said the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner.
“We went back for forth for a while,” he said. “Originally we talked about only serving lunch for the first week, but (Shoda) was pretty headstrong about doing both.
“Eventually, dinner is going to be the primary feature, but with the lunch business downtown you could make a mint. It’s beautiful down here.”