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A spirit that is not afraid

City Council approves Arigato liquor license

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(Contributed)
(Contributed)

With the approval of a liquor license at the Auburn City Council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 17, comes the expansion of a restaurant.

Upon moving to Auburn approximately one year ago from San Diego, owners Minny and Eric Jo of Arigato Sushi Boutique introduced the restaurant to the downtown area.

Walk in on any day and Arigato boasts daily specials and a menu of half-priced sushi.

Either one of the Jos are a sure presence, whether it be moderator of the “Sake Bomb” chant, sushi roller, or a shot pourer, sometimes out of a bottle that can be purchased during the meal the week before.  Miney keeps the bottle chilling behind the bar.

Despite slow days in the summer, the business managed to thrive. Part of the couple’s success has been attributed to their involvement within the community.

“I believe that they’ve already been pretty active with community involvement and that they take into account every single reaction, every individual,” said Annie Encinas, waitress leader at Arigato. “They’re working on a children’s menu just to cater to families and any time someone comes in with fliers for Auburn events, they’re more than willing to put them up in the windows.”

According to Encinas, this trend of success showed no sign of slowing down, and the time seemed right to open a second location on South College Street.

“In the second location we expect an even greater response, just because there will be parking and it won’t be quite so hectic,” Encinas said.

The second Arigato is expected to open in November.

In other business:

  • Oktoberfest also received an alcohol license.
  • Request for amendments to Articles II, III, IV, V, VI and VII was approved, which will “broaden the scope of real estate signs” and prohibit electronic reader boards in the College Edge Overlay District.
  • Resolution authorizing street closings for the Homecoming Parade on Friday, Oct. 11 was rescheduled.
  • Service agreement worth $289,476 with East Alabama Healthcare Authority to provide emergency response was approved.
  • SGA spoke of the upcoming Capitol on The Plains Oct. 8 at 5:15 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. State legislatures will meet in a panel to discuss issues effecting the state.
  • Appointed one board position for the Lee County Youth Development Center.

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