After we shared that Kyochon Chicken had shut down its Robson Street location, many were left wondering what would take its place.
It turns out the wait for a new tenant didn’t last long.
Renovations moved quickly, and new window decals now confirm that a brand called Kuro Katsu is set to open in the space.
According to their Instagram, Kuro Katsu will be the first gyukatsu specialty restaurant in Vancouver, offering premium Japanese katsu in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
For those unfamiliar, gyukatsu is a Japanese beef cutlet made with thick slices of beef that are seasoned and coated in panko.
Then it is fried to create a crispy golden exterior while keeping the inside medium-rare and juicy.
It is often paired with dipping sauces like wasabi and soy sauce or served on a personal hot plate so diners can cook it to their preferred doneness.
The key difference between gyukatsu and tonkatsu comes down to the meat.
Gyukatsu uses beef, while tonkatsu uses pork.
This makes Kuro Katsu distinct from Saku, which specializes in tonkatsu and happens to be just down the block.
Beyond gyukatsu, Kuro Katsu has teased that they’ll also carry a variety of other signature katsu dishes and appetizers.
Inside, the space hasn’t changed much from its Kyochon days, with the main updates being new branding.
That means their targeted September 2025 opening date seems realistic.
Kuro Katsu now joins the lineup of highly anticipated Vancouver food spots, including Jack Chowder downtown, Dante Commercial Drive, and Charm Thai Eatery.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 1471 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C1