Arowana Seafood & Ramen Bar is scheduled to open later this month at 8598 Fayetteville Rd in Raeford. Owners Jin Xiao and Guang Lin are experienced restaurateurs. They also own Mega Hibachi in Raeford. 

Xiao shared the story of how she and her husband got started in the restaurant business. 

“We've been doing restaurant work since we were kids. It was both of our first jobs and we started growing a love for cooking when we started our family, way back in 2002 with our first born, we really wanted to bring healthy, hearty, delicious food to our home. And we always loved cooking. So we started with our first restaurant shortly after our first child, and we've expanded,” shared Xiao. 

This upscale establishment will offer guests a variety of dining options such as ramen, crab legs, lamb chops, wagyu steak, craft cocktails and more.

“We’ve owned restaurants in the past, but nothing like Arowana,” remarked Xiao. “Although this is not our first adventure in the restaurant business, every one feels like a first, because we are eager to learn what people's thoughts are and how we can accommodate everyone.”

Xiao shared that in every restaurant she owns she aims to serve people delicious food in a clean and comfortable environment. 

“I’m honestly just looking forward to seeing a bunch of happy people out here having a good time, enjoying some craft cocktails [and] a nice bowl of ramen. And just getting the community out here, getting them out having a good time,” shared General Manager Chris King. 

Once open, the restaurant will be operating Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The restaurant is still hiring additional staff. Interested applicants can apply online. To keep up with the business follow their Facebook page.