Hibachi to Go owners Scott and Shari Clemons have opened a midtown location at Crossroads Center at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and South Kerr Avenue.
 
The Clemons opened the 600-square-foot Hibachi to Go on Hwy. 17 North in Hampstead in 2011, followed by a Market Street location in Ogden in 2012. The Hampstead location features a drive-thru and take out only, while the Ogden location offers on-site seating. The new midtown location features seating as well as a drive-thru and a large grab-n-go cooler stocked with salads, sushi and dessert.
 
Scott Clemons credits the growth of the business to a team approach to serving his customers and keeping things simple.
 
“We serve simple, fresh food, and we get it out fast,” he said.
 
The business is not a franchise, just what Scott Clemons describes as a mom-and-pop place.
 
He said that in addition to Shari Clemons and their three children who help run the restaurants, about 90 percent of his staff is made up of students, both high school and college. Every member of his staff learns how to do each job within the restaurant from prep and cooking to taking orders and cleaning. Tips are pooled among all of the employees, which Scott Clemons said helps to generate more of a team approach.
 
He said he feels strongly about giving young people an opportunity to learn what it takes to run a successful business.
 
“Working in restaurants will not be a career job for most of these kids, but it can be a great stepping stone,” he said.
 
Because Scott Clemons employs students from nearly every high school as well as the area colleges, he connects with the community by participating in fundraisers for school groups whenever possible.
 
Hibachi to Go’s menu includes a variety of hibachi combinations, all cooked to order, with grilled steak, chicken and shrimp and fresh vegetables, served over rice or noodles. Also on the menu, are soup, sushi and appetizers such a gyoza, spring rolls and steamed edamame. A $4.99 lunch special is offered Monday-Saturday, and kids eat for 99 cents on Sundays. Catering is also available.
 
Hibachi to Go is located at 894 S. Kerr Ave. in Crossroads Center, 6932 Market St. and 15248 Hwy. 17 North in Hampstead.

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