AIKEN — The owner of Okinawa, which specializes in Japanese cuisine, is preparing to open a second location .
Oscar Salas said March 24 that he hoped the new Okinawa at 1647 Richland Ave. W. would be making its debut in about a month.
There already is an Okinawa sign on the property.
The original Okinawa is at 1695 Richland Ave. E.
Salas has been operating that eatery since April 2024 and plans call for it to remain in business.
The menu options there include hibachi entrees, sushi, bento boxes and raw, cooked and vegetable bowls.
At the new Okinawa, the focus will be on hibachi meals and bowls.
“Maybe no sushi,” Salas said.
The new Okinawa’s site is the former home of the Acropolis Pizza Restaurant, which closed for good in February 2025.
Acropolis had been a fixture locally for more than 40 years.
George Kritzas and his wife, Maria, launched Acropolis in 1983 in the building formerly occupied by Pizza Villa.
Acropolis served Greek, Italian and American fare.
Maria, who died in 2018, was known for treating diners like family and making them feel special.
On the day Acropolis ended its long run, George said: “I’m 71 years old. I have to retire at some point. It’s time to step back. I’m going to miss it.”
For more information about the original Okinawa, visit okinawajapanesesteakhousesushibowl.com or the Okinawa: Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bowl page on Facebook.
The original Okinawa’s phone number is 803-226-0062.
AloJapan.com