New Donburi Shop Is Four Times Bigger Than the Original

Japanese rice bowl slinger Donburi is going for volume at its new spot just south of Dupont Circle, moving into a space with quadruple the seating capacity of the flagship restaurant while providing more casual service.

Washingtonian reports that founder James Jang is tweaking the business model he established four years ago in Adams Morgan; Rather than replicate his intimate dining venue, the second outpost involves ordering at a main counter, monitoring a buzzer, and later collecting the protein-packed selections the kitchen is known for. As first reported by Washington City Paper, the new restaurant will be spread across two floors to begin with, and will feature an open kitchen and bar.

The expansion does not, however, include custom ordering options. Per Washingtonian, the plan is to start with fried fare (crispy chicken, panko-covered pork) and later fold in new and existing menu items including pork belly, and spicy tofu.

Jang’s sophomore effort is taking up residence in the building vacated by Sophie’s Cuban, the Caribbean-themed eatery that shuttered last spring. Several other restaurants have recently flamed out along the same block including short-lived Bonfire, decade-old Science Club, and sandwich shop Maso.

Status: Opening at 11 a.m. 1134 19th Street NW; website