Sagano Japanese Bistro and Steakhouse officially opened at its newest location in Clarkston on June 26 at 6545 Sashabaw. The restaurant also has locations in Flint and Brighton.
Sagano specials include a wide variety of cuisine including chicken, shrimp, lobster, snow tuna, steak, swordfish, scallops, salmon, filet mignon and more. Combination platters will also come with soup, salad and special noodles. Customers can order steamed white rice or a special recipe of fried rice to complete their meal.
Owner Shiro Ino said customers can add an array of vegetables and spices to go with a wide variety of meat choices. ‘Our style is different,? said Ino. ‘Everyone will have a chef that comes out to cook in front of them. It will be entertaining for the customers. We have very experienced chefs.?
The Clarkston location features hibachi grills that can seat nine people around each grill. A semi-private room is also available to rent for special occasions. The restaurant can seat over 200 customers, and features a down draft system to prevent any smell or smoke from effecting diners.
Birthdays are a popular adventure at the Bistro.
‘All customers have to do is tell the server they have a birthday, and we will put on a show,? said Ino. The celebration will include singing, special entertainment and unique tricks from the chef.
Chef Roger Abando said said he can’t wait to show off some of his special tricks to customers. He said his specialties include a show in which he makes special figures from napkins. “The kids love it,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.
Ino said for dessert, customers can choose from goodies like deep fired ice cream, fried cheese cake or a banana split.
‘Our desserts are famous at each location,? he smiled.
Sagano’s Flint location opened 11 years ago, and later expanded to feature hibachi grills.
According to www.saganoflint.net, ‘Being the only restaurant in Genesee County to serve sushi, Sagano Japanese Bistro gained a strong following, and flourished for about two and a half years until it expanded into what it is today.?
Ino said the Flint locations popularity allowed him to open a second location in Brighton in 2010.
Ino said he got to know the Clarkston area after joined the Oakhurst Golf Club.
‘I decided Clarkston was a nice area,? he said. ‘I also noticed that the area had no Japanese cuisine or sushi style restaurant, so I began looking for a location in the area,? he said.
The Clarkston space that houses Sagano cost an estimated $880,000 to completely renovate, and includes top of the line equipment and interior.
‘Everything is here,? said Ino. ‘Everyone that comes here will be happy.?
The restaurant also offers a special take-out area, and a full bar. Sagano hours are Mon-Thurs., lunch 11:30-2:30 p.m., dinner 5-9 p.m.; Fri., lunch 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., dinner 5-10 p.m.; Sat., lunch 12-3 p.m., dinner 4:30-10 p.m.; and Sun., 3-9 p.m.