One of Japan’s Most Prolific Udon Shops Expands to Orange County | Eater LA

"A Japanese udon chain — whose Los Angeles flagship is in Sawtelle Japantown and which operates more than 1,000 locations across a dozen countries — is opening a roughly 3,000-square-foot outpost on the lower level of South Coast Plaza near Sears. The restaurant uses robot automation to help finish noodles on the fly, enabling it to turn out hundreds of udon bowls daily, and focuses on customizable bowls highlighted by a popular curry udon, a variety of tempura, and rotating animal proteins for mix-and-match options. Situated in an upscale mall that already attracts many Asian tourists and houses busy concepts like Din Tai Fung, the new location aims to join Orange County’s growing roster of notable Asian eateries and is expected to open by the fall." - Farley Elliott