Sprouts & Shutters: New Japanese Restaurants Heading to El Mercado Center; Ana Furniture, Backyard Boiler Open

Wondering what’s moving into your neighborhood shopping center? Here's a roundup of what's new in Union City business:

Shabuway, Men-Oh coming to El Mercado Center

Popular Bay Area Japanese hot pot restaurant Shabuway is making its way to the Marina Center. The restaurant — which specializes in thinly cut Kobe beef that you cook in a hot pot at your table — is slated to open sometime in April, according to a restaurant spokesperson. A growing chain established in 2004, Shabuway has locations in San Jose, Mountain View and San Mateo, and is also expanding to San Francisco.

Shabuway will be located at 34308 Alvarado Niles Rd. in the same plaza as Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot, a restaurant with a similar concept. Shabuway will move into the space most recently occupied by short-lived Taiwanese restaurant Taipei 101. Taipei 101 opened in December 2010 but shut down this January, according to reviews on Yelp.

Coming with Shabuway is its sister restaurant, Men-Oh, a Japanese noodle house that will be next door to Shabuway.

Both restaurants are currently hiring.

Islamic clothing store to open on Smith Street

Maqbool Islamic Clothing, a family-owned business specializing in traditional Islamic outfits for men, women and children, is scheduled to open March 31 at 3851 Smith St. Catering to the Tri-City area’s growing Muslim community, the store features hijabs, khuffs (leather socks), topis (prayer caps) and more. It’s located next door to the post office in the former Folklor Mexicano location.

Ana Furniture is now open

Ana Furniture, which we confirmed last December was the new occupant of the former Borders, recently celebrated its grand opening on March 3. Located at 32111 Union Landing Blvd., the store features modern, state-of-the-art furniture at competitive prices. The 25,000-square-foot building also makes for a spacious showroom for customers to explore.

Backyard Boiler gets crackin’

We featured a few weeks ago to much anticipation from our (hungry) readers. The Cajun seafood shack opened up last Wednesday to eager patrons craving a crab fix. Located at 32280 Dyer St. in what used to be Tuttimelon, the restaurant features crab, crawfish, shrimp and more in their original flavorful spices. Check out photos of local residents digging in and cracking crab legs on their Facebook page.

Fresh Choice shuts down

One of the few healthy food chains in Union City, recently shut its doors. Though a message to Fresh Choice's corporate headquarters was not returned, readers noted the Union Landing restaurant closed its doors in January.

Spot new businesses opening or closing in town? Tell us in the comments below.