Fast-casual Japanese chain Kobeyaki has taken root in Jersey City, its first location outside of New York City.
Colliers International NJ LLC Inc. represented Kobeyaki in the 1,706-square-foot lease at 525 Washington St. The landlord, MEPT Newport Tower LLC, was represented by CBRE’s Lon Rubackin.
Colliers’ Nancy Erickson, executive managing director; Kelly Bayer, associate director; and Jennifer Flores, associate, who are based at the firm’s Parsippany office, are exploring expansion opportunities in New Jersey for the restaurant.
In New York City, Kobeyaki has locations in Chelsea, Bryant Park, the Upper East Side and Madison Square Garden.
“Kobeyaki’s expansion reflects the keen consumer interest in fresh, clean eating in a fast-casual dining atmosphere in the metro area and well beyond,” Erickson said. “Restaurants, in general, have become highly active in recent years. Within that industry, the fast-casual sector is seeing significant growth, as time-crunched diners look for options that offer higher-quality options than traditional fast-food but still provide efficiency and affordable price points.”