AKI Hibachi Grill, Sushi Bar To Open in Bolingbrook This Summer

This summer a new hibachi grill and sushi bar will fill a vacancy on Boughton Road.

Proprietor Song Zhang, who also runs a restaurant in Oswego, told trustees he plans to open AKI in late summer in the building that once housed Applebee’s and Annette’s at 1296 W. Boughton Road. The site has been vacant for about a year, village officials said.

Bolingbrook Trustee Mike Lawler lauds the new business coming into the village.

"We have had a recent surge in new restaurants in town, which is a good indicator of the state of the economy," he said. "It is nice to see investment in this location as it is at a major intersection in town."

Other restaurants that have recently opened in the village include Sweet Treats Cafe in the Promenade Bolingbrook, and Coop's Den in the old Portillo's building at 148 N. Boughton Road. Coop's Den is run by .

Lawler said the AKI restaurant's concept "is also a nice addition to the village."

"And (it) brings another unique dining experience for the residents," he said. "With his involvement in other restaurants, we are hopeful for his success.”

The restaurant was granted a liquor license by the Bolingbrook village board this month.

AKI’s hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.