Three Japanese Concepts Head to Vegas Food Hall Stix Asia, a 18,000-square-foot food hall set to open this winter at the UnCommons urban campus in Southwest Las Vegas, has announced its first three restaurant partners: Ginza Bairin, Ramen BARIO, and NANAMUSUBI. All three are opening their first mainland U.S. locations at the venue. Ginza Bairin, founded in Tokyo in 1927, is described as the originator of the katsu sandwich and specializes in tonkatsu. The restaurant will approach its 100th anniversary in 2027. Ramen BARIO, a Tokyo-based tonkotsu ramen shop that opened in 2010, operates four locations in Tokyo and one at Stix Asia Waikiki in Hawaii. NANAMUSUBI, founded in Tokyo in 2016, pioneered an organic musubi concept using premium organic rice imported from Japan and also has locations in Tokyo and Waikiki. "Every partner joining Stix Asia was selected because it represents the craftsmanship, heritage and hospitality that make Asian cuisine so special," said Frank Clark, CEO, founder and creator of Stix Asia. "These first culinary destinations each bring a unique story, deep cultural roots and a passion for their craft."
The Ramen BARIO Difference Ramen BARIO is known for a pork bone broth that simmers for more than 20 hours, creating a rich, creamy texture. The menu also features tsukemen, or dipping noodles with custom noodle textures paired with the broth. "I am very excited to expand Ramen BARIO to Las Vegas with Stix Asia, following our Waikiki location," said Hayato Ohtake, owner of Ramen BARIO. "Our Tokyo-style tonkotsu ramen features a rich pork bone broth that has been continuously replenished each day since our founding in Tokyo in 2010. Prepared by artisans trained at our Tokyo flagship, each bowl will bring the authentic taste and tradition of Ramen BARIO to a new community."
Premium Organic Rice at NANAMUSUBI NANAMUSUBI uses Koshihikari rice from Niigata Prefecture, Japan's leading producer of the variety, organically grown in a designated area within the city of Shibata. The rice is offered in white, ancient grain, and brown varieties. "As we prepare to open our first mainland U.S. location, we look forward to sharing the authentic taste of omusubi with Las Vegas," said Kazuto Kutami, owner of NANAMUSUBI. "Upon opening, NANAMUSUBI will be the only organic musubi shop in Las Vegas."
Broader Stix Asia Concept Stix Asia will eventually house 12 concepts representing cuisines from throughout Asia, including a cocktail destination featuring modern mixology and Asian spirits, an authentic Japanese bakery, and a Tokyo Neapolitan pizza concept. The venue is designed by Japanese firm Machiseisakushitsu Co., Ltd. and Studio ForestBeach, a Southern California studio specializing in authentic Japanese design. This will be the second Stix Asia food hall, following the original location in Waikiki, which opened in 2022 and received an Ilima Award for "Best Food Hall."
Why It Matters
The arrival of three established Japanese restaurant concepts in a single food hall venue signals continued momentum in the U.S. market for authentic Asian dining. Stix Asia's Vegas expansion, backed by a fully funded $850 million mixed-use development, demonstrates investor confidence in destination food halls as anchors for hospitality-driven real estate projects.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors