JPan Restaurant readies new location at UTC

Asian fusion and sushi chef Daniel Dokko said he’s excited to be the different one at the University Town Center.

As the owner and head chef of JPan Restaurant in Sarasota, he will be one of the few local store owners at the plaza south of University Parkway on North Cattleman Road, which includes national chains such as Panera Bread and Blaze Pizza. 

Although Dokko originally hoped to open the new restaurant at UTC earlier in 2016, he’s aiming now at opening the doors in June.

“I’m hoping by June, but you never know with construction,” he said. 

He’s starting work now to get permitting to begin construction inside, and will tentatively begin in April. 

It's not his first time in the area — Dokko had a second location in Lakewood Ranch before, which closed in 2013. He said he hopes his old customers from that area will be excited to come to his new location at UTC.

The menu at UTC will be similar to that offered at his flagship location in Paradise Plaza in Sarasota, but he’s going to be adding some new twists. 

After recently making a trip to Vietnam and Korea, Dokko’s decided to introduce some Korean dishes into the new menu and also go back to basics with others, like serving soups in traditional clay pots. 

“I’m trying to bring back something more traditional with a twist — something new to the area,” he said. 

Something for everyone

Not in the mood for Asian cuisine? Another new restaurant will offer up another option. 

BurgerFi, a national burger joint, is displaying its “coming soon” banner, although the corporate office in North Palm Beach and Benderson Development, the plaza owner, could not be reached for a tentative opening date.

The casual American cuisine spot will offer craft beer and wine and is dog-friendly. The chain specialized in healthy alternatives in ingredients, such as peanut oil in place of vegetable oil.

The nearest location is in Tampa.