A proposed Uchibā in Fort Worth's Clearfork carries a $3.75 million price tag, according to state permitting records. The izakaya-style bar would bring the concept’s small plates, sushi, sashimi, Japanese whiskeys and happy hour to Marathon Avenue and Gage Avenue, across from Mesero.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation processed the registration, although the brand has not publicly announced the Fort Worth location. The planned restaurant is listed at 3,577 square feet, with an additional 2,415 square feet of covered patio, and is expected to open in fall 2027.
Clearfork’s mixed-use setting
According to Clearfork’s official website, the 270-acre development combines residential options and riverfront access with retail, dining, entertainment, office and green space. The Star-Telegram report also identifies Piattello Italian Kitchen as a planned dining addition to Clearfork; it is set to move from its current location at Waterside Shops on Bryant Irvin Road.
Who Is Behind Uchibā
Tyson Cole, the chef behind the project, opened the original Uchi on South Lamar Boulevard in Austin. His restaurant group includes Uchi, Uchiko, Loro and Uchibā. The Star-Telegram report notes that Cole won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southwest in 2011.
Uchi has appeared on Bon Appétit's list of the nation's 20 most important restaurants and Robb Report's ranking of the 100 greatest American restaurants opened in the 21st century, according to the report. Uchibā's existing location is at 2817 Maple Avenue in Dallas; the concept has also expanded to Charlotte, North Carolina, and a Miami location is under construction.
Reaction From Fort Worth's Dining Scene
Fort Worth chef Blaine Staniford, who was a guest chef for a special ramen night at Uchibā in Dallas in 2018, described Cole as “very talented and creative.” He said a Cole restaurant could strengthen Fort Worth's dining scene and national reputation, the Star-Telegram reported.
Dain Adam Jones also welcomed the prospect of Cole opening in Fort Worth and said he was glad to see the city's culinary scene continue to grow, according to the report.
Uchibā's Fort Worth proposal would add to a footprint that includes Dallas and Charlotte, with Miami under construction. The same report also traces Cole's wider restaurant group to Loro, which he opened with pitmaster Aaron Franklin in 2021.
