A new bar and restaurant named Bar Ronin will open in the West Erie Plaza by early October.

It's a contemporary Japanese izakaya, which is a casual bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks. The word means stay-drink-place.

Bar Ronin will serve shareable, small plates including sashimi, ramen and other Japanese cuisine and offer a full-serve bar with wine, cocktails and spirits and beer.

Dan Kern, the former executive chef and co-owner of 1201 Kitchen, is one of the restaurant's owners.

Kern said he has been conceptualizing the restaurant for years and is hoping to give customers more than just a dining experience.

"We're working very hard to make it a place where you don't just come and eat and leave, but you get to experience art and food at a high level," said Kern. "Wine, spirits and cocktails at a high level - just something that is completely different than what Erie is used to."

Kern wants to keep the inside of the restaurant a surprise but provided some pictures to Erie News Now. He also shared the following story behind the concept:

Long ago Japan was the domain of Samurai. Ferocious and loyal, these warriors protected their Daimyo’s property and the country from foreign intrusion. They lived Bushido, the sacred code that governed their lives and behavior, and their martial skill emanated fear and respect wherever they tread. These centuries were rarely peaceful, and a Samurai’s life was often one of warfare. In this domain they were legendary.

However, it was not uncommon for a Samurai to fall out of favor, or for their Daimyo to die leaving them with but two choices. Ritual Suicide or a life in shame as a masterless warrior. Many chose a swift and noble death, yet others chose a more difficult life. Having dedicated their lives to the sword left few options for employment other than as mercenaries. Serving whoever would pay, these fighters lived with a shameful stigma. Untethered warriors beholden only to a code that once meant everything. Masterless Samurai answering to no one.

They were called Ronin.

Hospitality is a uniting concept that we share, admire and strive for in our professional lives. Regardless the career choice, the tenants of good hospitality translate directly to any service. In all the stories, experiences, and lasting memories we shared from our travels the one uniting factor was Hospitality. Whether it was a three-star Michelin spot on Park Avenue or a basement whaling bar in Nantucket, these people and places helped create unforgettable experiences. That is what we want. That is what we have spent years articulating and working toward. It is our code.

The lively neighborhood Izakaya lays the foundation for the concept, a casual place to gather with friends, colleagues and loved ones for a handmade meal, built upon with parts of all our best experiences across the Pacific rim. The food and drink of Japan, the warmth and friendly kitchens of Australia and New Zealand, the casual elegance of southern California, and the marvelous vineyards of Northern California, Oregon and Washington. All taken together, distilled, and offered in an approachable and casual atmosphere. Taking our best memories and finding them again though a local lens.

Often it’s easy to just do the same thing – to follow the familiar, proven, and safe path. Like the Ronin of old we are unrestrained in our choices and governed only by our own code of hospitality, service and quality. We respectfully offer you our vision and the promise that our full attention, our deepest commitment, and greatest efforts will always be made to provide a consistently amazing experience inside our doors.

Our vision is to create an elegantly casual space where our guests can celebrate all their events of life, as well as the everyday.

We proudly introduce: Bar Ronin, a Contemporary Japanese Izakaya that was created without boundaries.