Coming Soon: Ha’chi Restaurant & Lounge at 185 Orchard

The hulking Thompson LES superstructure was completed in July 2008, ushering in a new era for the neighborhood.  Hotel restaurant Shang quickly followed, as did outdoor nuisance Above Allen.  Yet, the more low-key retail backside of 185 Orchard Street remained dormant pretty much from the get-go.

But that all changed two months ago, when word leaked that high-end bread maker Landbrot was planning a flagship in one of the three divided storefronts.  And now a second has officially been earmarked for a Japanese joint called Ha’chi Restaurant & Lounge.  Teaser banners arrived on scene in recent days announcing the forthcoming establishment.  Other than that, more conclusive information on the new venture is aggravatingly scant.

What we do know, however, is that Ha’chi was twice denied by Community Board 3 last year for not showing to the SLA meeting.  In November 2010 [PDF], reps sought permission for wine and beer; in December 2010 [PDF], it was for the on-premise liquor license.