Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Gyu-Kaku Is Opening in Former Ginza Space in Brookline

A Japan-based chain of "yakiniku" (grilled meat/BBQ) restaurants that has been expanding into the United States is going to be opening its first New England location in Brookline, with the eatery moving into the space where another Japanese dining spot currently resides.

A job post within the Craigslist site indicates that Gyu-Kaku is planning to open in Brookline, with the Town of Brookline site indicating (via a planning board meeting minutes page) that the new restaurant will apparently take over the Ginza space on Beacon Street near the Boston border. At this point in time, no specific opening date has been given for Gyu-Kaku (and we are trying to find out when Ginza is closing); as soon as we get more information, we will post an update here.

[July 19 update: The Brookline Tab is reporting that Ginza has officially closed.]

[July 26 update: Another article from the Brookline Tab gives some insight as to why Ginza closed. The Tab mentions in the article that the closure was based on a "perfect storm of factors" that included construction in the immediate area, a couple of founders of the restaurant leaving a few years back, and a poor economy.]

[January 17, 2013 update: Gyu-Kaku is one step closer to opening, as the Brookline TAB mentions that it received an entertainment and alcohol license at the town selectmen meeting earlier this week. The article also says that the restaurant will have mini-grills at the tables, with seating for 151 inside and another 40 outside, and it will be open for lunch and dinner daily.]

[February 21, 2013 update: A Twitter thread from yesterday indicates that Gyu-Kaku could be opening in Brookline sometime in the middle of March.]

[April 29, 2013 update: Eater Boston states that Gyu-Kaku has soft-opened in Brookline.]

Gyu-Kaku features an array of items--with the focus being on barbecued beef dishes--including large courses (depending on the restaurant locations) available for 2, 4, 6, and/or 10 people. A few options include seaweed soup, kimchee, maki, gyoza, ramen, bibimbap, short rib, prime rib, lamb, duck, and spicy pork.

Currently, Gyu-Kaku has locations in California, Hawaii, Illinois, and New York, as well as in Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore.

The address for this new Japanese BBQ restaurant in Brookline is: Gyu-Kaku, 1002 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.gyu-kaku.com/