Japan-based “Iron Chef” and restaurateur Hiroyuki Sakai plans to open Sakai of Hawaii in July, an opening that will co-incide with the 50th anniversary of DFS in Hawaii.

Sakai has been meeting with prospective purveyors of isle-grown meats, produce and other food products, he said through an interpreter. The restaurant will serve food that reflects a fusion of his classical French training and Japanese heritage, but it will not be a high-end restaurant, he said.

The 3,500 square-foot restaurant with seating for 150 customers will open on the ground floor of DFS Galleria in the space currently occupied by Starbucks on the Lewers Street side of the building. He will hire approximately 70 local employees for the operation.