Reveler Development, a leading real estate investment, development, construction and management company, and their commercial broker, Porta & Company, are pleased to announce the upcoming arrival of Aomori and Aomori Kitchen + Market at The Armature (52 Hanover Street) in Portland’s West Bayside. Aomori has signed a 10-year lease for two street-level spaces that are aimed to open in the fall of 2025.
Aomori is the newest concept from one of Portland’s most legendary restauranters, Masahiko Miyake. With two iconic restaurants to his name, Miyake and Pai Men, this new venture is an opportunity for Masahiko Miyake – or Masa as he’s more commonly known – to collaborate with his son, Reo Miyake, and Reo’s partner, Helen Carter. Through Aomori, the Miyake team will connect with family roots, developing a menu including classic washoku dishes while pulling in inspiration from the rural northeast region of Japan.
“Our goal for Aomori restaurant is to bring Japanese soul food to Portland while incorporating local Maine ingredients,” explains Reo Miyake. “Our menu will include a selection of small plates inspired by classic izakaya dishes and Japanese home cooked meals we grew up on. We will also be tying in traditional flavors from the Tohoku region – where Aomori is located. We look forward to bringing this concept to Hanover Works in the coming months.”
Aomori Kitchen + Market will occupy a second space adjacent to the restaurant. Inspired by the “conbini” culture of Japan – convenience stores that offer daily necessities that are fresh and high-quality – it will offer ready-to-go, hot and cold food and drinks, as well as fresh pastries and desserts. Customers will be able to either sit down and enjoy their meals or grab and go.
“We are honored to be welcoming Aomori and Aomori Kitchen + Market to The Armature,” said John Laliberte, CEO of Reveler Development. “Masa Miyake is a beloved member of the Portland restaurant community, with nearly 20 years of offering consistently high quality and creative dining experiences. We know that Aomori and Aomori Kitchen + Market will become important anchors within Hanover Works, West Bayside, and the greater Portland area.”
Aomori and Aomori Kitchen + Market will open on the ground floor of The Armature, a 171-unit apartment community. Located within Hanover Works, Aomori and Aomori Kitchen + Market will be woven into the neighborhood destination that offers a vibrant mix of local favorites – including Wilson County Barbecue, Batson River, Bar Publica, Argenta Brewing, and Maine Clay Collaborative – complete with tree-lined pedestrian access and dedicated outdoor patios.
The lease was brokered by Joe Porta of Porta & Company.
“We have been working with the Miyake team for over a year to curate this unique concept and business model for this special facility at The Armature,” remarked Joe Porta, Founder of Porta & Company. “Having known Masa for nearly 20 years, we are honored and excited to bring his incredible talents to the Bayside community.”
Aomori and Aomori Kitchen + Market are currently aiming to open their doors this fall. For more details and opening updates, please follow Aomori on their Instagram page @aomori_restaurant and the market at @aomori_conbini.
