Former Barbershop Transformed into Thriving Black-Owned Hibachi Lounge

Yakitori Hibachi Lounge brings unique flavors and community pride to Cincinnati's Roselawn neighborhood.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Yakitori Hibachi Lounge, a Black-owned restaurant in Cincinnati's Roselawn neighborhood, has transformed a former barbershop into a thriving hibachi lounge that offers a unique blend of Japanese and soul food flavors. Co-owners Jason Chapman and Kenneth Bibb, who grew up in the area, wanted to bring something different to their community, which they say lacks dining options. After two years of hard work and personal sacrifices, the restaurant is now employing more people than ever and expanding its hours.

Why it matters

The opening of Yakitori Hibachi Lounge represents the growth of Black-owned businesses in Cincinnati, particularly in neighborhoods that have historically lacked diverse dining options. The restaurant's success also highlights the power of community-driven entrepreneurship and the ability of local business owners to revitalize their neighborhoods.

The details

Yakitori Hibachi Lounge was founded by Jason Chapman and Kenneth Bibb, two Cincinnati natives who acquired an old barbershop in Roselawn to open their "urban hibachi lounge." The co-owners did much of the demolition and renovation work themselves to save money, even selling personal belongings to stay afloat during the first two years. The restaurant's menu features a blend of classic hibachi dishes and specialty items inspired by Chapman's soul food background, including deep-fried salmon bites, sweet teriyaki wings, jerk lamb chops, and a colossal fried lobster tail.

  • Yakitori Hibachi Lounge opened in June 2023.
  • The co-owners paid rent for two years before "making a grain of rice."

The players

Jason Chapman

Co-owner of Yakitori Hibachi Lounge who handles the culinary side of the business, from running the kitchen to developing the menu.

Kenneth Bibb

Co-owner of Yakitori Hibachi Lounge who prefers to work behind the scenes, while Chapman focuses on the culinary aspects.

Yakitori Hibachi Lounge

A Black-owned restaurant in Cincinnati's Roselawn neighborhood that offers a unique blend of Japanese and soul food flavors.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to bring something different. You don't see many Black-owned hibachi restaurants in the city of Cincinnati or anywhere for that matter.”

— Jason Chapman, Co-owner (cincinnati.com)

“It's definitely something to be proud of, to have something of our own right here in our neighborhood, in our community that we grew up in. So, hopefully this can be a stepping stone for other businesses to come and develop here.”

— Kenneth Bibb, Co-owner (cincinnati.com)

What’s next

Yakitori Hibachi Lounge plans to continue expanding its hours and employee base as the restaurant continues to thrive in the Roselawn neighborhood.

The takeaway

The success of Yakitori Hibachi Lounge demonstrates the power of community-driven entrepreneurship and the ability of Black-owned businesses to revitalize underserved neighborhoods. The restaurant's unique blend of Japanese and soul food flavors has resonated with the local community, inspiring hope for more diverse dining options in Cincinnati.