Upscale Asian Restaurant Aji Steak Stone & Sushi Opens in Downtown
November 5, 2015
ALBANY, NY… The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for Aji Steak Stone & Sushi at 30 South Pearl Street (direct entrance at 45 Beaver Street) on Tuesday, October 13, 2015.
“It is always exciting to welcome new restaurateurs like Kevin and Ivy Chen to Albany’s Downtown,” said Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “Aji Steak Stone & Sushi provides another fine dining option for the people who come Downtown for its nightlife, as well as for those who have chosen the Downtown as their new neighborhood.”
In addition to seeing the market opportunity to bring sushi and Japanese cuisine to Downtown, the Chens decided on the South Pearl/Beaver Street location because of beautiful restaurant and bar space as well as the proximity to the Times Union Center. “Aji,” the Japanese word for “taste,” pays homage to the owners who previously operated the space. Kevin, who is also a partner in Koto restaurant in Colonie, and Ivy anticipate bringing an estimated 25 jobs to the District.
“Our hope is that people will be inspired to relax and treat themselves to a new, fresh way of dining out,” explained Kevin Chen. “While we are quite excited to bring sushi to Downtown, the steakstone is very unique and brings out the original flavor and deliciousness of the food it's being cooked on. Every single bite is hot, juicy and cooked exactly the way you want it.”
Menu items include sushi made with black or six grain rice, teriyaki, tempura, and steakstone with chicken, steak or seafood; lunch options include the Aji lunchbox or lunch platter.
“Expanding the dining options is an important part of welcoming new residents, employees, and visitors to Downtown,” said Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown Albany BID. “With a 97 percent residential occupancy rate, and 110 additional units coming online this year, Kevin and Ivy Chen have a growing market share – largely within walking distance – from which to draw.”
“We are pleased to welcome a restaurant of Aji Steak Stone & Sushi’s caliber to one of our signature Downtown buildings,” said I. David Swawite, president and CEO of the Omni Companies. “We understand the need for excellent amenities in order to retain office and residential tenants while simultaneously attracting visitors to Downtown.”
In addition to the dining space, the owners are also operating the kiosk across the hall from the restaurant from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday to Friday; currently, the space serves breakfast and lunch options including soup and sushi. The kiosk is directly accessible from the 45 Beaver Street entrance.
Aji Steak Stone & Sushi is located at 30 S Pearl Street (main entrance at 45 Beaver Street) in downtown Albany, New York. Hours are Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday to Saturday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. For more information, call 518.650.8766 or visit www.ajialbany.com.
From international corporations, regional giants and locally owned proprietors, downtown Albany is more than business as usual. Accented by the powerful currents of the Hudson River to the motivating forces in the State Capitol, downtown Albany stands in good company with some of the greatest names in business today. Over 250 companies call downtown Albany home and signs like IBM, Microsoft and Windstream are seen throughout our historic streets. Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality and improve the quality of life and overall image of Downtown for those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City of the most famous state in the world. The Downtown Albany BID is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information about the Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org | @AlbanyBID or call 518.465.2143.
