Nikubol, a fast-casual Japanese grill bowl restaurant, opened at Katy Asian Town on Colonial Parkway. The Katy spot is the brand's second location in Greater Houston.

The opening was first reported by Community Impact, citing restaurant representatives. Nikubol's first location operates inside POST Houston, a downtown food hall the brand calls "one of the busiest food halls in Texas" on its website.

The restaurant's concept centers on build-your-own bowls. Customers pick a base of rice, salad or udon, then choose a grilled protein: chicken, beef or pork. Bowls are topped with fresh ingredients and signature sauces.

Dine-in guests at the Katy location also get access to NIKUBAR, a self-serve bar stocked with sides, salads and soup. The brand describes its cold sides as Japanese-style pickles, marinated vegetables, salads and a house selection called the Signature 5. Orders go through self-service kiosks rather than a traditional counter line.

The restaurant sits at 23015 Colonial Pkwy., Suite A105, Katy, TX 77449. Katy Asian Town, the Colonial Parkway shopping center anchored by H Mart, has grown into one of the area's busiest Asian dining clusters near Interstate 10 and Grand Parkway. The center promotes itself as a destination for Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese dining, shopping and entertainment, according to a guide published by Nest Ahead.

A soft opening began Aug. 22. Through Wednesday, Sept. 30, the restaurant is running a weekday lunch deal: buy a bowl and get a free drink, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to the restaurant's Instagram page.

No official grand opening date for the Katy location has been announced.