Japanese cuisine coming to Harrisburg
May 16, 2025
Newcomers to Harrisburg are opening a Japanese restaurant in the vacant Harrisburgers building.
Samurai Hibachi & Sushi Express owners TJ Anto and his wife, Jessica Koenig-Anto, are busy remodeling the space, giving it a fresh coat of paint inside and cleaning up.
Anto has been working in Japanese restaurants in several states since 2007 and most recently operated a food truck with his wife in Missouri. Before that, he worked in a Rapid City restaurant for 12 years.
The couple said they were ready to have their own business and wanted to return to South Dakota.
They found Harrisburg by searching online.
“Searching in Google, like which city that is growing and developing more, looking at the population and what choices they have to eat here,” Anto said, noting that they’re looking forward to sharing Japanese cuisine with diners from Harrisburg and the area.
The menu will feature hibachi and sushi favorites, along with noodle dishes and more.
They hope to open the restaurant at 106 E. Willow St., which will seat about 40 diners, in early June.
Plans are to be open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday and Saturday, and just for dinner on Friday.
