Seasoned restaurateurs Ryan and Wade McElroy, along with chef Moto Seto, will launch a new sushi concept in November. Kōbō will serve fish from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market at the new Hyde Park neighborhood spot, according to a news release.
The restaurant is taking over the former Uncle Nicky’s space, which closed in late April, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Seto will act as executive chef and partner of Kōbō.
Meet the team
Seto has been working in the food industry for nearly two decades, according to the release. Seto is from Nagoya, Japan, where he began working in restaurants at 18, clocking many hours behind the sushi counter. Seto recently worked as head chef at Soto in both Austin and Houston, before returning to Austin in 2026 where he met Wade McElroy.
Ryan and Wade McElroy grew up in Austin and have been patrons of the Hyde Park neighborhood since the ‘90s, Ryan McElroy shared in the release. The brothers each operate their own restaurant concepts across Austin and beyond, with Ryan McElroy co-owning Bird Bird Biscuit and Wade McElroy co-owning Kinsho. Together, the pair co-owns Teddy’s Bar and Love Supreme.
Craving sushi?
Kōbō will serve up nigiri and sashimi with maki, or rolls, and temaki, which are hand rolls. The restaurant will also feature a selection of small kitchen dishes.
“I draw inspiration from flavors and techniques from all over, but I always want to keep the fish and simplicity at the center of the dish,” Seto said. “I studied architecture before I became a chef, and I think that still influences the way I approach sushi—each dish is almost like designing a work of art.”
For drinks, guests can expect to see natural wines and sake that complement the food menu, according to the release. Kōbō will be open only for dinner.
Who it’s for
Kōbō is designed to serve as a regular spot for patrons, including as a date night destination, casual dinner or special occasion restaurant, the news release states.
“We wanted to jive with the neighborhood,” Wade McElroy said. “Hyde Park is incredible and has great options whether it’s Italian, Mexican, pizza or pastries, but there’s no great sushi in the neighborhood so we felt that Kōbō would be a natural fit.”
