Word quickly got out on social media that the new place featuring Japanese fare had opened on State Line and people from at least as far away as New Boston, Texas, stood in line to order off the menu and dig into their savory meals.
Marven Ayle got some spicy teriyaki chicken and was busily putting it away. An experienced connoisseur of teriyaki, he wanted to see what Kyoto Teriyaki could do.
"It is good. hot," he said of his meal. "I've had teriyaki before, but wanted to try it here. It is good, really spicy."
Sheldon Hudson said it was his idea to come here from New Boston.
"I saw it on Facebook, looked good. The Facebook ad really intrigued me," he said. "I ordered the yakisoba, ramen type noodles. I've experienced teriyaki and I know what I like. Went simple on my first order here, just wanted to check things out."
Sheldon noted that folks were already showing up to try out the food at Kyoto Teriyaki.
"They're busy," he said. "Got customers responding. There's one other place in town somewhat similar to this, but the food here is less greasy, more flavorful."
Jay Ayle, Marven's brother, ordered the teriyaki chicken.
"I'm not a spicy sort of guy, and went a milder route," he said. "I like it. I like the teriyaki chicken at the mall, but wanted to get a different take on things."
Kyoto Teriyaki is owned and operated by the Kim sisters, Jung and En. They have been businesswomen and restaurant operators in the Twin Cities for many years. They had gotten out of the restaurant business several years ago, but found they missed it. The building that it is located in used to be a wig shop, among other things. Now, the Kims have put their experience and skills into this new enterprise and Texarkana - and surrounding towns - are showing up.
Kyoto Teriyaki is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is located at 3520 N. State Line Ave, Texarkana, Arkansas. Their web site is at https://www.restaurantji.com/ar/texarkana/kyoto-teriyaki-/