The UK will see the first-ever automatic rotary yakitori machine-operated concept launch in London this October under the name of Yari Club.
The opening of Yari Club, a 20-cover QSR, on St Martin’s Lane in Central London, will mark the first time such a machine has been seen outside Asia. It is launched by Jimmy Tjhie founder of Methusellah Limited, who has exclusive rights to the technology in the UK and Europe.
Yakitori can be translated to “grilled chicken” from the Japanese words yaki (grill) and tori (chicken). Yakitori shops are usually small shops specialising in yakitori, taking the form of a compact shop offering take-out services with some seats.
The 650 sq ft unit, a five-minute walk from Leicester Square and Covent Garden Piazza and a three-minute walk from Charing Cross, was brokered by Hanover Green and Distrkt on behalf of Shaftesbury Capital.
“Our aim with Yari Club is to use customer-visible robotics to add a fun and futuristic dynamic to the Central London QSR scene,” says Tjhie. “The auto-rotating yakitori grill machine will be placed at the front of our unit so customers can follow their orders and passers-by be entertained. We hope to see the same enthusiasm as in Asia, where the robots and chefs successfully work side by side,” he adds.
Upon ordering, customers place an order with the Yari Club staff, who manually load the skewers onto the machine’s grabbing arm. Diners can watch the 1.5m long robotic yakitori machine process their order via a grasp, grill, and sauce dipping mechanic, resulting in a wait time of around 5 minutes from ordering.
The menu will offer a selection of eight traditional chicken yakitori dishes; Tsukune (meatball, savoury, sweet glaze), Kawa (skin, juicy, rich taste), Mune (breast, lean, mild flavour), Momo (thigh, tender, flavourful meat), Toriniku (thigh and breast, tender, versatile, juicy), Classic Negima (thigh, spring onion, juicy, savoury) Miso Mune (breast, miso-marinated, savoury) and Teba (wings, crispy, flavourful skin). There is also a Prawn Теmpura skewer. Larger sides include Chicken Karaage, Vegetable Gyoza, Corn Tempura, Broccoli with Nori Dressing, Mixed Salad with Togarashi Dressing, Fries with Kashmiri Powder, Fries with Truffle Oil, Yuzu Pickles.
Prices start from £2.50 per skewer, three for £6.90 or five for £11.90. Rice Boxes are also available, priced at £11.90 or £16.80 for three or five skewers, respectively. They include rice, coleslaw, pickles, a Nori slice, and Yari Club’s proprietary sauce. The average spend is expected to be £12.
Drinks will include a selection of Asian bottled beers, hard seltzers and JINRO soju. Soft drinks include Ramune and Suntory lemon soda.
“While adding a fun element to the consumer experience, the machine also benefits from low power consumption, takes up a small space, and has a big capacity for production. It is easy to operate and clean and has variable speeds for different types of foods,” explains Jimmy.
The interior features black bricks and stainless steel bars, evoking the ambience of classic yakitori joints. Cherry wood-clad walls, light boxes, and globe lights add warmth and authenticity, while stools and hanging fabric banners complete the look. Studio Ninety One‘s graphic design and branding complement the aesthetic, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere that pays homage to Japan’s vibrant street food culture with a modern twist.
A soft launch will offer 50% off the menu, including drinks, from Monday, September 23rd, to Monday, September 30th, ahead of the official launch on October 1st.
Source: Yari Club
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