Senator Yancey McGill, Kingstree Mayor Ricky Burrows, Williamsburg County Sheriff Michael Johnson, industry representatives, and others celebrated the January 3, grand opening of Mr. Hibachi Steak House. The Japanese restaurant features Hibachi style cooking, Asian inspired appetizers, and sushi prepared fresh daily.  From left; Brenda Woods, Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber board member, Mayor Burrows, owner Chen, Senator McGill, Williamsburg HomeTownChamber Director Leslee Spivey, Sheriff Johnson, Tracy Kellahan, Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber board member, and Adrel Langley, Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber board member. Photo by Michaele Duke

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If you’re searching for a novel dining experience without driving half an hour or more, your search is over. Mr. Hibachi Steak House, located at 1305 North Longstreet in Kingstree is ringing in the New Year with a new era in dining. The restaurant, which opened January 3, with a ribbon cutting, features authentic Japanese cuisine.
Owner “Chen,” is familiar with the art of Asian cookery – preparing meals since he was 15 and managing a successful restaurant in Charleston. Chen and partner Lin Yong choose Kingstree to introduce food items never before offered.
Mr. Hibachi is not a buffet style eatery. The menu features the familiar hibachi grill items with fried rice and other favorites such as General Tso’s Chicken. Chen says his specialty is Hibachi beef and shrimp, however, the real surprise, and what has the locals already talking about, is the ‘dissertation’ of sushi (Japanese rice with other ingredients), sashimi (slices of raw, cooked or pickled fish) and hosomaki (sushi rolled in a seaweed wrapper). Choosing one, or two or three, can be intimidating but not to worry – the friendly staff will ease your apprehension and answer any questions you may conjure up. Chen says the sushi Volcano roll is to die for.
The small, intimate space features a sushi station where a chef prepares ocean fresh delicacies while you wait. To the right, a hibachi grill that is visible to several of the booths that line the entire length of the restaurant offers a peek at hibachi-style preparations. The restaurant can hold up to 30 customers comfortably – a notable accomplishment considering the space is less than 18 feet wide.
Senator Yancey McGill and Kingstree Mayor Ricky Burrows attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Both agreed that the business is a welcome addition to the community. “You’ve given us some kind love from your family and your culture,” said McGill. “Kingstree is the right location in Williamsburg County and we look forward to many years of coming in here and eating lunch and dinner with you.” Hours of operation vary but the business is open seven days a week.