DICKSON CITY — A seasoned restaurateur recently launched his latest venture in the culinary industry.
After operating 570 Ramen with his wife, Michelle, in the spot directly next door for 6½ years, Vinny Lam relished the opportunity to move into the larger space previously occupied by Primanti Bros. at 1249 Commerce Blvd. and expand offerings under a new name.
A soft opening for Red Miso — an Asian fusion restaurant which Lam said incorporates the “best” of the menus from 570 Ramen and Blu Wasabi, one of his former restaurants with locations in Dickson City and South Abington Twp. — was held Monday, he said.
The new space encompasses roughly 8,000 square feet — about 5,000 more than 570 Ramen — and a full bar, said Lam, a Clarks Summit resident.
Vinny Lam, owner of Red Miso, inside the new restaurant on Commerce Boulevard in Dickson City. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
A private booth inside Red Miso, a new Asian fusion-themed restaurant on Commerce Boulevard in Dickson City. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
The former 570 Ramen restaurant, right, and the new Red Miso restaurant on Commerce Boulevard in Dickson City. Gio’s Pizza – which also has a location in Clarks Summit – plans to establish a pizzeria in the former 570 Ramen spot. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Lam, 57, noted he wasn’t necessarily looking to operate a full restaurant again, but felt the prime location was too good to pass up.
“I was happy with 570 Ramen, but when the opportunity came I couldn’t refuse it,” he said. “When I saw Primanti Bros. close I made them an offer … and they accepted it.”
Some of the circumstances surrounding the transition of ownership also made Lam feel like he made the right decision.
“Primanti Bros. bought my liquor license 10 years ago when I sold it from Blu Wasabi and 10 years later, I bought it back from them,” he said. “It’s a sign that it’s meant to be … that I’m meant to be back here again doing what I love. It’s amazing how it all worked out.”
Primanti Bros. opened the Dickson City location in March 2016 and closed it this past November.
Lam said Primanti Bros. invested more than $3 million in the building, which also led him to move forward with Red Miso, which can accommodate about 160 customers.
“I gave it a facelift to make it comfortable and cozy,” he said. “It’s a beautiful building — all you need is the right concept and the right team to run it. We want to make it feel like fine dining, but also casual and comfortable.”
Red Miso’s amenities include ample outdoor seating on a covered patio that can be turned into a private room and a private booth, ideal for a date night, Lam said.
The restaurant’s menu — featuring a variety of items including ramen noodles, stir-fried noodles, tapas, rice bowls and entrees like grilled chicken breast and filet mignon — caters to all ages, he added.
“Right now, we’re only serving dinner,” Lam said. “In about two weeks, we’ll be (serving) lunch and dinner. It’s all about the food and a good atmosphere.”
Another eatery will also be joining the mix of eclectic establishments along Commerce Boulevard as Gio’s Pizza Co. — which also has locations in Clarks Summit and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware — purchased the equipment and fixtures from 570 Ramen and intends to open another pizzeria in Dickson City, Lam said.
John Thompson, Gio’s Pizza co-owner, anticipates opening the pizzeria by mid-to-late June after renovations are complete.
Borough Manager Cesare Forconic believes a pair of chain restaurants — Chili’s and Chick-Fil-A — brought new life to the shopping hub in Dickson City and believes Red Miso will be a good addition to the mix.
“They seem to have rejuvenated that whole corner, and Texas Roadhouse has always been busy,” Forconi said. “There are lines to get in those places — it’s an hour wait and I heard at Chili’s it’s up to two hours. We wish them luck; hopefully they’re going to be successful like the other restaurants.”
Forconi is confident there is enough demand to keep patrons supporting a variety of dining options, especially if some have busier stretches.
“They all feed off each other,” he said. “You can look for alternatives and find a spot you like.”