By BECKY CRISSMAN
becky.crissman@cordeledispatch.com

CORDELE — It has always been a dream of Xin Chen and his cousin Lin Zheng to own their own restaurant. It is a dream that Chen says goes all the way back to the pair’s days growing up in China. The duo have finally seen that dream come become a reality with the opening of Hachi Steak and Japanese Grill in Cordele.
Chen says that he enjoys the small town life. He has managed several Chinese restaurants, with his parents including one in Vienna, but he always wanted to have a restaurant of his own. Zheng has spent much of his time in New York, where he has worked as a sushi cook, but grew tired of the big city life. Zheng’s desire was to come to a small town where he could raise his family.
“Cordele seemed like a good place to open Hachi,” said Chen. “There was nothing like this here. People had to travel out of town. We hope the restaurant will help keep people shopping local.”
Hachi officially opened on February 13 and has been a hit with the public. Patrons can come in and dine at a booth or table or enjoy one of 58 seats around the numerous Habachi grills in the restaurant where they can enjoy a real show put on by the cooks while they dine.
Hachi is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner and on Sunday from 12 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
They have menus available to take home for anyone who may wish to call in a pick up order, but they do not accept reservations.
The menu is also available on the restaurant’s facebook page.
“We are proud to be a part of the community,” said Chen. “Cordele reminds me of my hometown.”
Chen says that if you haven’t come in to sample what they have to offer he hopes you will do so soon.