Ichiban Japanese Grill Tuscaloosa Alabama

Ichiban Japanese Grill, a family-owned restaurant known for its authentic sushi rolls and crazy affordable bento boxes, is making headway on its brand new downtown location.

The store's owners shared a photo on Facebook showing the store's new sign fully erected on the front of the University Boulevard building Friday. The restaurant is sure to see some serious renovations, transforming the space into what Ichiban's customers know and love – plus some new improvements.

The store was forced to close after notice of eviction from their location at the corner of Hackberry Lane and 15th Street. The owners of the property are making way for a new development at that intersection, the details of which are to come soon.

Despite the closure, Ichiban still was able to claim the gold for 95.3 The Bear's 2021 Munch Madness bracket competition, beating out 63 local restaurants bracket-style for the title of "Best Restaurant in Tuscaloosa." Shortly after their win, the store's owners announced that they will be relocating to the building that formerly housed Real & Rosemary on University Boulevard near 22nd Avenue.

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"I want to use this time to say THANK YOU to all that use their time to vote for us and I also want to use this time for the ones that actually came by and leave me message[s] to tell they are here to help me if I needed," said HiuTung Chow, one of Ichiban's co-owners, after winning Munch Madness 2021. "We are super [excited] for our new location. We are getting very close to be able to move our equipment in and get the new location ready to open soon as possible!!!"

While there is not an official opening date set yet, Ichiban's owners have worked to keep their hungry followers informed as developments continue.

To follow Ichiban Japanese Grill on Facebook, click here. To follow them on Instagram, click here.

Stay connected to The Tuscaloosa Thread for more information on Ichiban's grand reopening as details become available.