[Enjoy “Hokkaido Robatayaki,” featuring Hokkaido ingredients with a special twist.] The all-around robatayaki izakaya “Hokkaido Robatayaki Akaoni” will have its grand opening on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Susukino, Sapporo! They’re also offering an all-you-can-drink deal for 1,580 yen!

2026.09.07 09:30

株式会社SMILE SOL

SMILE SOL Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido; Chairman: Hiroshi Ogawa; President and CEO: Tetsuya Fujiwara) will hold the grand opening of “Hokkaido Robatayaki”—a restaurant featuring Hokkaido ingredients prepared with a special touch via charcoal-grilled robatayaki—and “Hokkaido Robatayaki Akaroni,” a full-service robatayaki izakaya offering a wide variety of à la carte dishes such as sashimi,“Hokkaido Robatayaki Akaoni,” where guests can enjoy a wide variety of à la carte dishes such as sashimi, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Sapporo’s Susukino district. Featuring chic private rooms decorated in shades of red, black, and mortar-style finishes, the restaurant aims to be a destination enjoyed by a wide range of guests, from local residents to tourists.

■ Concept: “Hokkaido Robatayaki”—Hokkaido ingredients prepared with a special touch.

“Hokkaido Robata Akaoni” is a “Hokkaido Robata restaurant” that takes delicious Hokkaido ingredients and adds a special touch through robata grilling. We also offer a rich selection of non-robata dishes, making us a full-service robata izakaya with a wide lineup ranging from sashimi to rice dishes and table-side grilled specialties.

[Origin of the Name “Akaoni”] Illuminated by the flames of the robatayaki grill, the staff’s faces turn red and flushed—just like a red ogre.

The restaurant was named “Akaoni” based on this scene.

■Our 6 Commitments

(1) [Ingredients] We use carefully selected Hokkaido ingredients, such as Hokkaido Wagyu beef and ingredients shipped directly from Rausu Town.

(2) [Cooking] We prepare “Hokkaido Robatayaki” by adding a special touch to Hokkaido ingredients through charcoal-grilled robatayaki.

(3) [Spices] We offer unique flavors, such as the “Lamb Chop Grilled with Akaoni Spice,” which uses a completely original blend of eight spices.

(4) [Experience] A live dining experience where guests can enjoy dishes like “Seared Live Hokkaido Octopus” on a tabletop charcoal grill, adjusting the level of charring to their preference.

(5) [Ambience] A sophisticated private dining space featuring red, black, and mortar-textured tones, accented with traditional Japanese touches.

(6) [Price] We aim to offer a satisfying selection and portion sizes at an average price per person of approximately 5,000 to 6,000 yen.

■ Signature Dishes & Recommended Menu Items

★ Signature Dish: Hokkaido Wagyu “Jigoku-ni”

750 yen (tax included)

旨味と辛味のバランスが◎。道産和牛たっぷりのアカオニオリジナルレシピ。

The balance of umami and spiciness is perfect. An Akaroni original recipe packed with Hokkaido Wagyu beef.

★ Signature Dish: Hokkaido Mentaiko and Mackerel Earthen Pot Rice

3,500 yen (tax included)

大振りな道産明太子を使用。注文から炊き上げる逸品。

Made with large chunks of Hokkaido mentaiko. A specialty dish cooked to order.

★ Signature Dish: Lamb Chops Grilled with Akaoni Spices

3,600 yen (tax included)

8種類ブレンドの完全オリジナルスパイス使用。マスタードを添えて。

Made with a completely original blend of 8 spices. Served with mustard.

Large Rausu-caught Atka Pollock

2,580 yen (tax included)

羅臼産の大きなホッケを炭火でじっくりふっくらと。

A large Rausu-caught Atka mackerel, slowly grilled over charcoal until tender and succulent.

Rare Cut: Beef Heart Tongue

3,200 yen (tax included)

牛タンの芯を炭火で香ばしく、驚くほど柔らかな食感に。ネギ塩・柚子胡椒で。

The center cut of beef tongue is grilled over charcoal until fragrant and surprisingly tender. Served with scallion salt and yuzu pepper.

Whole Grilled Bell Peppers—Just Like Stir-Fried Bell Peppers with Pork

730 yen (tax included)

自家製ソースでいただくと、まるで青椒肉絲のような味わいに。

When enjoyed with our house-made sauce, it tastes just like "Green Pepper and Pork Stir-Fry."

Carrot “Karamucho”

650 yen (tax included)

出会ったことのないマリアージュをお楽しみいただけます。

Enjoy a unique flavor pairing you’ve never experienced before.

Grilled Live Octopus from Hokkaido

1,080 yen (tax included)

卓上の七輪でお好みの炙り加減を愉しめるライブ感のある提供スタイル。

Served with a live cooking experience—grill it to your preferred doneness on a tabletop charcoal grill.

Grilled Hokkaido Wagyu Beef

3,800 yen (tax included)

道産和牛を炭火でさっと炙り、旨味を閉じ込めた一皿。

A dish featuring Hokkaido Wagyu beef quickly seared over charcoal to lock in its rich umami flavor.

10-Piece Sashimi Platter

5,580 yen (tax included)

その日の仕入れに合わせた鮮魚10点盛り。写真はイメージです。

A 10-piece assortment of fresh fish selected based on the day’s catch. The photo is for illustrative purposes only.

Assorted Obanzai (4 varieties)

1,400 yen (tax included)

A daily-changing assortment of 4 obanzai dishes prepared with ingredients sourced fresh that day.

*The main menu is planned to feature over 70 items across all categories, including robatayaki, fish, meat, vegetables, stews, salads, hot appetizers, sashimi, hairy crab, table-side grilling, cold appetizers, obanzai, clay pot rice, rice noodles, and desserts.We offer three course options: 5,000 yen, 7,000 yen, and 10,000 yen.

■ Interior & Ambiance / Target Customer Base

A sophisticated private dining space for adults, featuring a chic interior based on red, black, and mortar-style finishes, accented with elements that evoke a traditional Japanese aesthetic. From the counter, guests can enjoy a lively view of the cooking process taking place at the grill.The restaurant has 84 seats (20 in fully private rooms, 54 in semi-private rooms, and 10 at the counter). The target customer base consists primarily of men and women in their 40s, with local customers expected to account for about 60% and tourists for about 40%.

■ Grand Opening Campaign

Period: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Details: A 2-hour all-you-can-drink package, normally priced at 2,300 yen (tax included),

　　　 1,580 yen (tax included) during the campaign period

Eligibility: All customers purchasing the all-you-can-drink plan

■Interview with the Owner and Manager

Q1. What is this restaurant particularly proud of?

A. We’re proud of our menu, which features seafood from Hokkaido, primarily from Rausu Town in the Nemuro Subprefecture. We offer a selection of 10 types of Hokkaido sake and 15 types of premium sake from across Japan. In addition to our robata grill, we offer a wide variety of other dishes, so both tourists and local customers can enjoy themselves. (Answered by Machida, Public Relations)

Q2. Please tell us why you decided to open a location here in Susukino, Chuo Ward, Sapporo.

A. While most Hokkaido robata restaurants have only about 30 to 50 seats, there are few that can accommodate large groups. We believed this location in Susukino would allow us to meet the needs of tourists, so we decided to take on this challenge here.

(Answered by Machida, Public Relations)

Q3. Please tell us about your future plans and goals.

A. While our company has traditionally operated relatively affordable brands, we aim to attract new customer segments, expand our business—including outside Hokkaido—under the Hokkaido brand, and grow into a 10 billion yen company.

■ Restaurant Overview

Restaurant Name: Hokkaido Robata Akaoni

Address: 〒064-0807

　　　　　　　　　　 2-6, Minami 7-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, LC Jūichi-bankan B1F

Access: About a 4–6-minute walk from Susukino Station (Namboku Line)

　　　　　　　　　　 Approx. 5-minute walk from Higashi-Honganji-mae Subway Station (Toho Line)

Phone Number: 011-600-3131

Fax Number: 011-600-3132

Grand Opening Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Last order for food at 11:00 PM, last order for drinks at 11:30 PM)

Closed: None

Seating Capacity: 84 seats (20 in fully private rooms / 54 in semi-private rooms / 10 at the counter)