Murphy – In the local culinary world, there’s a new kid on the block. The old Blake Realty building, just across from the Cherokee County Courthouse downtown, has become a new Kobe Grill restaurant.
It took about seven months to renovate the old real estate office into a dining establishment. Dac Tran and Logan Clonts have not only been good friends for many years, but are partners in the dining endeavor.
When the opportunity arose to purchase the empty building, they decided to go into business together. The two have worked on smaller projects in the past.
Tran, who lives in Andrews, is no stranger to the restaurant business. His brothers own Kobe restaurants in Andrews and Sylva.
Clonts grew up in Murphy. He also works with Cherokee County Schools and has filled different positions, including bus driver, custodian, groundskeeper and drivers education.
Clonts likes the fast pace of the restaurant business and believes Murphy needs a consistent place that offers great sushi. The Volcano Roll tops his list of favorites.
With some bumps along the way, Kobe Grill in Murphy opened its doors for business on May 20. The menu consists of such items as Japanese hibachi, teriyaki, a sushi bar and combination platters with fresh vegetables and rice.
John and Darlene Ramsey will soon be moving to Murphy. They had never eaten Japanese food but, after meeting folks near the restaurant, they decided to eat at Kobe Grill.
John chose a meal consisting of chicken, shrimp and steak with rice and broccoli. The portions were big.
“It was excellent. We’ve never had Japanese food before, and it’s great,” he said.
Darlene chose shrimp and scallops while dining outside with her husband and new friends. Their view overlooked historical buildings.
“It’s very nice outside, it’s beautiful and I’ve never had shrimp and scallops like this before. I love it,” she said, nodding affirmatively with a fork poised at her mouth.
They each had to take food home.
“It will be our dinner, too,” Darlene added.
By the early afternoon May 20, the new restaurant had already served about 40 customers. The dining capacity is around 70 seats, including those outside on the patio and porch.
Tammy Sprouse of Tennessee was visiting Murphy for the first time when she decided to eat at Kobe Grill on opening day.
“I would highly recommend the food here; it is absolutely delicious. It was perfect with huge portions, I couldn’t stop eating. The fans, the music, it all just goes together perfect,” she said.
Mayor Tim Radford seemed quite content with his lunch.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Kobe Grill Japanese Restaurant to Murphy’s vibrant downtown scene,” he said. “It’s exciting to see our business community flourish, and this new addition
offers residents and visitors another delicious option alongside our existing culinary gems.”
Kobe Grill in Murphy serves meals from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week and also has take-out available. In the future, they plan on obtaining a beer and wine license and have hopes of delivering food via Door Dash. There are discounts available for military and law enforcement personnel.
Details: Call 828-835-2667.