Yummy Bowl, a Mongolian barbecue and sushi
restaurant, has opened on Springfield’s west side as of Oct. 16.
Kevin Weng, who previously opened Yummy Bowl
locations in Indiana and Pennsylvania, purchased the property at 3434 Freedom
Dr. in April 2022 for $1.4 million, according to Sangamon County tax records.
The building had been vacant since Bakers Square closed in January 2020 as part
of a series of nationwide closures.
Husband-and-wife team Jerry Wang and Rachel Zhang are the owner/operators, and Zhang told SBJ there were some delays in opening related to the necessary renovations and inspections of the 5,600-square-foot-building.
Now, customers are able to customize their own stir fry by selecting ingredients and toppings, then watching it be prepared.
“We have a build-your-own bar with all kinds
of vegetables and meat,” said Zhang. “You put everything in the bowl, and then
there are 12 different sauces to chose from and eight different seasonings. You
hand it to the chef; he will stir fry it for you. It’s an open-kitchen concept,
so you can see how they prepare your food and then the server will bring it out
to the table.”
Zhang said for a small additional charge customers
can upgrade to the “endless bowls” option. Sushi is also available to order off
the menu.
Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9
p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
