31-May-17 – After nine months of construction, the Los Angeles company building a Japanese restaurant at Marina City says “late summer” is when they expect to open.

Katana is taking over 12,730 square feet in the southwest corner of Hotel Chicago that was previously used by BIN 36, a restaurant that moved in late 2014 to a slightly smaller space in the West Loop.

(Left) BIN 36, photographed in 2010 from west side of restaurant, looking northeast.

Innovative Dining Group says the 299-seat Katana will serve “a cutting-edge form of traditional Japanese barbeque” called Robatayaki, a method of cooking in which food is slow-grilled on bamboo skewers over hot charcoal. The charcoal, says the company, is from the Japanese village of Wakayama, located about 300 miles southwest of Tokyo.

“Guests can look forward to customary styles of Japanese comfort food, featuring robata-style dishes, alongside innovative sushi masterpieces,” said a spokesperson. Diners will also have the option of letting the chef select menu items for them.

According to the building permit issued on August 29, 2016, the estimated cost of the renovation is $650,000.

Katana is inviting job seekers to a career event on June 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, at Hotel Chicago, 333 North Dearborn Street.

More of Katana interior…