CoCo Ichibanya SAN DIEGO

"CoCo Ichibanya, a mega-popular Japanese curry chain, is finally opening in San Diego after several delays. It specializes in customizable curry rice dishes and will start with pickup and delivery." - Candice Woo

"Eager Eater readers have been asking for updates on the arrival of CoCo Ichibanya in San Diego. Japan’s most beloved curry chain, operating more than 1,400 locations worldwide, was due to land next month in Kearny Mesa in the Convoy Street center that also houses Hive and Chinese eatery Kangxi Is Coming. The company tells us that the opening has now been delayed until mid-summer. Established in 1978 in Japan, the brand expanded to the U.S. in 2011; the San Diego outpost is the first outside of the Los Angeles area. CoCo Ichibanya specializes in kare raisu, or curry rice, offering diners fully customizable plates based on different portion sizes of rice, curry sauce spice level, and toppings that range from chicken cutlet and sausages to fried squid and vegetable croquettes." - Candice Woo

"With over 1,400 locations worldwide, Japanese chain CoCo Ichibanya has amassed fans all over the globe. The local fanbase is rejoicing this morning, as it appears that the curry rice specialists are heading to San Diego. A tipster pointed us to a Facebook post that seems to indicate that a location will be coming to Kearny Mesa in Spring 2020 where it will land in the same Convoy Street complex as HIVE. A rep for the brand told Eater that it should open in March. Known for its customizable menu, CoCo Ichibanya allows diners to choose a base curry dish, from stewed beef to chicken or pork cutlets, and select their desired degree of spiciness as well as portion size of rice. There are tons of optional toppings, including cheese, natto, pork sausages, garlic shrimp, and fried squid. Other items include fried chicken and egg salad, omelet rice, spicy keema cheese French fries, and cooling mango lassi." - Candice Woo