Emilee Phillips
Staff Writer
Teriyaki Express is bringing a taste of hibachi to Seven Lakes.
The restaurant opened in mid-July. Although it’s new to the area, the business began in Sanford in 2020. Owners Nicky and Jesus (Chuy) Lopez say they’ve been welcomed with open arms.
“I didn’t know I was such a small town person until I got here,” says Nicky Lopez. “It’s like a breath of fresh air.”
The couple closed their Sanford location at the end of May after the building was sold. Soon afterward, they met the owner of a vacant building that had previously housed a Mexican carryout restaurant. While the new location is smaller than their previous space, Lopez said downsizing was intentional. “We wanted smaller.”
“Everyone is so nice here, you can really feel the Southern hospitality,” she says.
Lopez’s daughters also work in the restaurant. Nicky Lopez says working alongside family is her favorite part of owning a business.
The menu includes items such as hibachi bowls with your choice of protein, rice and yum yum sauce, as well as combo meals, egg rolls, desserts and family meals. Customers can order in person, call in or DoorDash their orders. Teriyaki Express also offers catering trays.
There is limited seating inside but the patio is a work in progress with more seating and ceiling fans on the way.
A ribbon cutting is planned for Aug. 11 at noon.
Teriyaki Express is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Find it at 135 Mac Dougall Dr., Seven Lakes or call 910-400-5209.
Contact Emilee Phillips at Emilee@thepilot.com.
