There’s a new restaurant in the Seven Lakes community in West End. Teriyaki Express held its ribbon-cutting on Aug. 11, after opening on July 13.
The owners, Jesus and Nicky Lopez, are excited to open their new location in such a welcoming community. They’re not new to this business; the flagship Teriyaki Express opened in Sanford in 2020, in a much larger location. The size was challenging and eventually led the couple to seek a smaller location.
They love their new location, saying the size helps them be more interactive with customers. Nicky noted that “the front porch has a nice vibe, and people can sit out there and listen to music.”
When asked what inspired Teriyaki Express, the couple said they had been talking about starting their own restaurant since 2012. They saw a Hibachi Express on vacation, and it spurred the name Teriyaki Express. Jesus was already part-owner of Chibi in Rockingham, with close to 20 years of experience in the food service industry.
“There was a gap, a need for this in the area, and the community has been so supportive,” Nicky added.
The restaurant already has regulars; during the interview, Nicky stopped to greet a lady they lovingly referred to as “Salmon.” The couple is excited to continue getting to know their regulars and to serve the community.
Notable menu items include the Teriyaki Delight for two and the Family Meal.
“The Teriyaki Delight lets you try a little bit of everything,” Nicky said.
It comes with two plates and includes chicken, steak, shrimp, scallops, mushrooms, broccoli, rice, noodles and sweet carrots. The Family Meal feeds four to five people and includes 2 pounds of meat, 2 pounds of rice or noodles, a pound of veggies and 16 ounces of sauce.
Their food has no MSG, and they make their sauces in-house, including teriyaki, ginger, and yum yum sauce, and they also cut and prepare their meat in-house.
Join them Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 135 Mac Dougall Drive in West End.
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~ Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Megan Hall.
