In June, Koto chef and owner Derek Chang moved his restaurant to Citiplace, closing operations on College Drive. Mod and lusty without being over-the-top, the new eatery features a dimly-lit sectioned dining room that offers more privacy than the former spot, along with hibachi tables, a sushi bar, lounge and patio. Response has been strong from both old and new customers, says Chang, who believes the fresh location will solidify his brand and finally give him a chance to shed the connection to “old Koto,” the mediocre restaurant that occupied the building on College years before his arrival. Despite his success there, Chang says the ghost lingered, a factor he wanted to eliminate in an increasingly competitive local market. Click here to get the whole story on Chang and Koto’s new look.—Maggie Heyn RichardsonTo read previous Du Jour features on local chefs and other culinary experts, click here.
Du Jour: Derek Chang, Koto
