Searcy has something brand new to offer for lovers of hibachi. A new Japanese restaurant, Dora Hibachi Express, opened on Feb. 13, and is the second venture by Dora Express. Their first restaurant is located in Batesville, Arkansas, and has been open for one year. It was so well-received that the owners decided to expand and open a new restaurant in Searcy.
Dora Hibachi Express is managed by Ben Ilrmansyah. He said he is excited to serve Harding students at the Searcy location. According to Ilrmansyah, students who bring in their Harding IDs can receive 10 percent off their meals.
Sophomore Tanner Johnston and junior Madi Maguffee dined at Dora Hibachi Express the first week it was open. Johnston and Maguffee found out about the new restaurant from their small group leader, Brent Wilson.
“Mr. Wilson knew we really liked Japanese hibachi and told us that there is a new hibachi restaurant in town just to the right of Mi Pueblito Mexican Restaurant,” Maguffee said.
The restaurant is not a typical hibachi grill. The food is not prepared on a grill in front of you. Instead, it is prepared in the back of the restaurant in a food truck. The freshly prepared food is then quickly delivered to your table.
Johnston ordered the chicken hibachi, and Maguffee ordered the vegetable hibachi. They said the meals were so delicious that they have already visited a second time and ordered the same meals.
“The atmosphere does not feel like a traditional hibachi restaurant,” Maguffee said. “It has a casual sit down feel. The food was amazing.”
“The manager was very kind to us, and our meal took only 10 minutes to prepare,” Johnston said. “It was every bit as good as Fuji’s and maybe even better. It is not just the food that is good, the prices are great too.”
Those interested in trying Dora Hibachi Express can visit at 1516 E. Race Street. The restaraunt is open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Remember to take your Harding ID to secure the 10 percent discount.
