Peter Kim’s restaurant empire keeps expanding, sometimes at the request of others.

Umami-Ya Shabu Shabu could open as early as November in Iwilei, in the former brewpub space next to another bustling Kim enterprise: Liliha Bakery.

The landlord, the Weinberg Foundation, had asked Kim to take over the space and suggested featuring shabu-shabu, Kim said, adding that the dish is popular.

“It’s really hot in Honolulu and is practically on every street corner, each with a different personality,” said Kim, who is keen to develop a restaurant with a personality of its own.

“We’re developing a store with more of a higher-end approach, with authentic Japanese in mind, rather than the contemporary Taiwanese, Chinese or Vietnamese style,” he said.

To accomplish this, he plans to offer quality beef such as American Wagyu and USDA Prime-grade beef, as well as other meats, alongside vegetables.

That said, traditional dashi (broth) can be mildly flavored, and many people like bolder flavors, so options for diners will be “about 70 percent authentic Japanese, 15 percent local and 15 percent Korean-influenced,” Kim said.

Umami-Ya will offer an a la carte menu as well as set five-course dinners, which he predicted would be the restaurant’s strength.

A kakigori (shave ice) machine he brought in from Japan will create desserts with “a very fine, flaky, soft shaved ice.”

“And I want to finish the (flavor) note with green tea ice cream, azuki beans and vanilla ice cream,” he added.

Prices will be moderate, but the interior will feature granite tabletops and other high-end design elements, and the restaurant will seat about 135 diners and include six private rooms.

A full bar will prepare cocktails that will be served to customers at their tables.

“It’s going to be very fun to dine there,” Kim said.

The daytime crowd at Liliha Bakery tends to pack the parking lot at 580 N. Nimitz Highway, so Umami-Ya will open for dinner only.

Gregg Fraser, executive director of the Hawaii Restaurant Association, said Kim is astute for diversifying his business with a popular and proven concept.

He pointed out that because Umami-Ya and Liliha Bakery are attached, they can share the main kitchen to service both restaurants.

“I think he’s really smart in what he’s doing,” he added.

The hot-pot concept is appealing across generations, Fraser said, and with the Umami-Ya operating only at night, Kim avoids having his restaurants compete.

“It’s operators like Peter Kim that really help to perpetuate and grow the industry here in Hawaii, keeping it alive, keeping it fresh and bringing in new concepts,” he said. “We’re very happy to be in the same industry with people like Peter Kim.”

Umami-Ya Shabu Shabu is hiring. Those interested should call 941-4588 to schedule an appointment. Applicants must bring identification, Social Security card and proof of TB clearance.