'Newdle Bar' Not Your Typical Asian Cuisine

Hiroshi Tsuji and Josalyn Barton believe they've got the perfect recipe of healthy, exotic cuisine and nightlife to create Kent's next trendiest hang out.

Tsuji and Barton will open "Newdle Bar," a combination Asian restaurant and bar, late this summer in the , which is under construction at the corner of Haymaker Parkway and South Water Street downtown.

Tsuji said their business model is similar to WagaMama, a London-based noodle bar, and the noodle bar and restaurants that have exploded in popularity in New York City and other major metropolitan areas in recent years.

"It's a very healthy, trendy type of food," he said.

Tsuji is no stranger to the restaurant business. He's opened 12 different businesses throughout Northeast Ohio during his 30-year career, including traditional Japanese restaurant .

He said the dining focus of Newdle Bar is on a healthier option.

"It's not a typical Chinese, Japense or Asian type of restaurant," Tsuji said.

The new Kent bar and restaurant has 3,200 square feet and will feature about 120 seats and a 40 foot long bar.

Barton said the bar will include TVs for major sporting events, but the decor will not envoke your average college bar atmosphere. A Lyndhurst resident, Barton will serve as general manager in Kent.

"We're going with a very clean look," she said.

She said they hope to become a part of the Kent community by taking part in downtown events. Tsuji's other restaurants occassionally hold their own funraising events for local charities.

The Kent business space remains under construction in the new downtown building, but it's location is the second space south from the alley way.

Barton and Tsuji are hopeful to open the space as early as mid August but want to at least be open by Labor Day weekend.

"We're kind of at the mercy of construction," Barton said.

Barton said they are accepting applications for new employees. Anyone interested in a job at Newdle Bar can email Jos@newdlebar-kent.com.