Southerleigh, Bakery Lorraine debut at San Antonio airport

A mysterious new Japanese restaurant will soon open in The Stone Ridge Market at 21019 U.S. Hwy 281 S. in Stone Oak, but the owners don’t seem interested in a big to-do. While there are signs of an impending debut at Oja Sushi Hibachi & Robata, the concept hardly exists on the web.

The name, however, spells it out plainly enough. Presumably, the casual spot will serve maki and nigiri, along with the various sides that usually accompany such fare. Robatayaki, frequently abbreviated, refers to meat, vegetables, and seafood grilled over hot charcoal.

The middle part may introduce some audience participation. The term hibachi is a little slippery in the U.S. For many, it conjures up the theatrical cooking of chains such as Benihana, where chefs cook over an iron flat-top. That’s technically teppanyaki — though in Japan it doesn’t require a SAG-AFTRA membership card.

Hibachi cookery, meanwhile, is traditionally done on an open-grate, charcoal-heated stove of the same name. Sometimes that’s done in the back-of-house, sometimes at tableside. Either way, in America, it is now synonymous with onion volcanoes.

Fans of Japanese cuisine will likely have to find out which method the restaurant uses by an in-person visit. The only online record of Oja’s existence is a Google business listing.

“We are committed to using quality ingredients and preparing each dish with care, from handcrafted sushi rolls to sizzling hibachi favorites,” the restaurant wrote. “Whether you’re dining with family, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a casual meal, OJA Sushi Hibachi & Grill is a great place to relax and enjoy authentic flavors with friendly service.”

The restaurant has not yet revealed an opening date, and the contact number listed in the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation project details did not immediately respond to a request for a timeline. Still, a site visit confirmed that Oja has most of the components in place, and there seemed to be activity in the kitchen. While waiting for a digital presence, those in the Stone Oak area might want to do the occasional drive-by in the upcoming weeks.