Ever since Mark Berdin, Jennifer Banagale and Lordfer Lalicon shuttered their charming Japanese convenience store, appropriately called Konbini, inside East End Market, the city has been without a one-stop shop for Japanophiles to get their fried chicken on.
But that decade-long wait is almost over because this summer, William Shen — chef-owner of 2 Michelin-star Sorekara as well as Mills Market concepts Zaru, UniGirl, Cowboy Curry and Okonomi — will debut his konbini inside the bustling food hub.
“Building Orlando a konbini store is a special project for us because of how many memories it serves me and the joy I know it will bring to our guests,” said Shen.
Guests can expect to find an array of Japanese snacks and goods, plus freshly prepared to-go fare like tamago sandos, konbini fried chicken, bento boxes and everything in between.
I’m hoping Shen’s curry hash browns make an appearance.
Mills Market co-founder and James Beard-nominated restaurateur Johnny Tung says paying a visit to a konbini in Japan was a bucket-list moment for him and, with UniMart, he “wanted to bring a slice of that experience back home.”
The convenience store will be situated next to Okonomi, Shen’s 10-seat sushi counter, and will keep the same hours as Mills Market — that is, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The market will also debut Em Fleur, a flower shop specializing in modern Asian floral artistry, and Karats by Kim, a rebrand of Tien Hung Jewelry.
Be sure to follow @Unimartfl, @EmFleurBloomBar and @KaratsbyKimJewelry for all the latest.
