Sogo Express

sogo express

### Sogo Express: A Convenient Stop for Japanese Flavors in Concord, NC

For those in North Carolina seeking a quick, satisfying, and affordably priced Japanese meal, Sogo Express at the Carolina Mall in Concord offers a popular option. This eatery focuses on providing express-style Japanese dishes, primarily known for its generous portions of hibachi-grilled proteins served with fried rice and vegetables. It's designed for efficiency, making it a suitable choice for a lunch break or a casual dinner when you're looking for flavorful food without a long wait.

Sogo Express aims to deliver hearty, consistent Japanese-inspired meals. While some recent customer feedback indicates variations in food quality, particularly regarding dryness of meat or texture of vegetables, the restaurant has a history of being a local favorite for its value and substantial servings. Many patrons appreciate the convenience and the ability to get a filling meal that offers a taste of popular Japanese steakhouse flavors in a fast-casual setting.

### Location and Accessibility: Inside Carolina Mall

Sogo Express is conveniently located at 1480 Concord Pkwy N, Concord, NC 28025, USA. This address places it directly within the Carolina Mall, a prominent retail hub in Concord, North Carolina. Being situated within the mall provides exceptional accessibility for shoppers and local residents alike. Concord Parkway North is a major artery in the city, ensuring easy navigation to the mall from various parts of Concord and surrounding areas.

The Carolina Mall setting means that ample parking is readily available, making it a stress-free visit for diners. Whether you're stopping by for a meal during a shopping trip, or simply seeking a convenient and quick dinner option, Sogo Express's location within the mall food court or a similar quick-service setup offers unmatched ease. Its central position in a well-known retail environment makes it a practical and accessible choice for those craving Japanese express-style cuisine in North Carolina.

### Services Offered

Sogo Express focuses on providing quick-service Japanese meals, primarily centered around hibachi-style grilled dishes and other popular Japanese-inspired comfort foods. Their services are designed for efficiency and convenience:

• Dine-In (Mall Seating): Located within the Carolina Mall, Sogo Express typically offers a counter-service model. Customers place their order and can then utilize the general mall seating area, which is described by one customer as "comfortable." This casual setting is ideal for a quick and informal meal.
• Extensive Hibachi-Style Menu: The core of their offering consists of hibachi-style entrees, which include:
  • Individual Entrees: Options like Hibachi Chicken with Mushrooms, Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli, Hibachi Steak with Mushrooms, Teriyaki Steak with Broccoli, Shrimp with Broccoli, Scallops with Broccoli, and Vegetable Plate.
  • Combination Plates: Popular choices combining proteins such as Steak & Chicken, Shrimp & Chicken, Steak & Shrimp, Shrimp & Scallops, Chicken & Scallops, and Steak & Scallops. They also offer a large "Steak/Shrimp/Chicken" combo.
  • All entrees typically come with: Fried rice, sweet carrots, and a side of their signature "shrimp sauce."
• Noodle Dishes: Sogo Express also offers a variety of noodle dishes, including Noodles with Vegetables, Chicken with Noodles, Shrimp with Noodles, and Steak with Noodles. They also have combination noodle plates like Veg/Chicken Noodles, Veg/Shrimp Noodles, and Veg/Steak Noodles.
• Side Orders: Customers can add on sides such as additional Shrimp Sauce, Noodles, Zucchini & Onions, Fried Rice, Sautéed Mushrooms, Chicken, Steak, Broccoli, Shrimp, Scallops, and Sweet Carrots.
• Appetizers: Options like Japanese Egg Roll and Vegetable Tempura are usually available.
• Takeout Service: A primary service, Sogo Express is well-suited for takeout, with customers often ordering for pickup. They are known for "loading the container to the top," providing ample food for leftovers.
• Delivery Service: For added convenience, Sogo Express partners with third-party delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, allowing customers to have their meals delivered directly.
• Beverages: A selection of soft drinks, including free refills on fountain drinks like Diet Coke, as noted in a customer review.

### Features and Highlights

Sogo Express, particularly its Carolina Mall location, has several features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a Japanese express eatery, despite some recent inconsistencies in customer experiences:

• Generous Portions: A consistent highlight mentioned by satisfied customers is the ample amount of food provided. Dinners are often described as being "loaded the container to the top," ensuring "plenty of food" and often leading to "leftovers." This offers significant value for money.
• Reasonably Priced Meals: The affordability of the dinner options is a key draw. Customers note that meals are "reasonably priced," making Sogo Express an accessible option for regular dining.
• Convenient Mall Location: Being situated within the Carolina Mall offers unmatched convenience. It's easy to access during a shopping trip, for a quick lunch, or when looking for a simple, fast meal. The comfortable mall seating is an added benefit.
• Quick Service: As an "express" concept, efficiency is key. While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, the nature of a mall-based fast-casual eatery typically implies speedy preparation and service, ideal for those on the go.
• Classic Hibachi Flavors: For those who enjoy the familiar tastes of hibachi-style Japanese cuisine, Sogo Express offers a straightforward menu with popular chicken, steak, and shrimp options, along with fried rice and the signature "shrimp sauce."
• Free Refills on Drinks: A small but appreciated detail noted by a customer, the availability of free refills on fountain drinks enhances the dining experience, especially for those dining in the mall's common area.

It is important to acknowledge that some recent reviews indicate a decline in food quality, with concerns about dry, overcooked meat and tough, burnt vegetables. This suggests that consistency can be a challenge. However, positive experiences highlight that when the food is "great," it's a satisfying and hearty meal, indicating potential for a good experience.

### Promotions or Special Offers

Sogo Express primarily relies on its value-driven menu structure rather than explicit, rotating daily promotions. The very nature of its "express" model often means that the pricing itself is designed to be competitive and affordable for everyday dining. Based on available public data and typical fast-casual Japanese eateries, here are the implied or confirmed ways Sogo Express offers value:

• Reasonably Priced Entrees: The core "promotion" is the consistently reasonable pricing of their combo dinners and individual entrees, especially considering the generous portions provided. For example, popular combination plates like "Steak & Chicken" are often priced around $13.95, which offers a substantial meal.
• Lunch vs. Dinner Pricing: While the provided reviews don't specify, many express Japanese eateries offer slightly lower prices for lunch portions or specific lunch combinations compared to dinner, making them an attractive midday option.
• Ample Portions Leading to Leftovers: As noted by customers, the generous loading of containers means "plenty of food" and often "leftovers," which inherently extends the value of a single purchase.
• Free Refills on Fountain Drinks: The mention of "free refills" on soft drinks adds extra value to the meal, particularly for dine-in customers utilizing the mall seating.
• Online Delivery Deals: Through third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, Sogo Express may participate in their promotional offers, such as "no delivery fee on first order" or occasional percentage discounts, which are managed by the delivery service.

Customers looking for specific deals are encouraged to check the current menu on delivery apps or call the restaurant directly, as in-store specials might not always be widely advertised online.

### Contact Information

For those looking to visit Sogo Express at the Carolina Mall in Concord, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 1480 Concord Pkwy N, Concord, NC 28025, USA (located inside Carolina Mall)
• Phone: (704) 788-4822
• Online Ordering & Delivery: Available through third-party platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.

Operating Hours (general mall hours, confirm with restaurant as they may vary slightly):

• Monday - Saturday: Typically 11:00 AM - 8:45 PM (or mall closing hours)
• Sunday: Typically 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (or mall closing hours)

It's always a good idea to confirm specific hours directly with the restaurant, especially around holidays or if you're planning a late visit, as mall food court hours can sometimes differ from main restaurant hours.

### Conclusion: Why Sogo Express is Suitable for Locals

For residents of North Carolina, particularly in Concord, Sogo Express at the Carolina Mall offers a convenient and practical dining solution, especially for those seeking a quick and hearty Japanese-inspired meal. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors: its prime location within a major shopping mall ensures easy accessibility and ample parking, making it a perfect stop during errands or a casual shopping trip. For busy individuals or families, the "express" model means fast service and minimal wait times, ideal for satisfying hunger on the go.

The core appeal lies in the generous portions and reasonable prices, which make Sogo Express a highly affordable option for a full meal, often providing enough for leftovers. While recent reviews suggest occasional inconsistency in food quality (e.g., dryness of chicken, texture of vegetables), the fundamental value proposition of a substantial meal at a good price remains. For locals who enjoy classic hibachi-style chicken, steak, and shrimp with fried rice and their signature "shrimp sauce," and prioritize convenience and value, Sogo Express provides a dependable option. It's a no-frills establishment focused on getting you a fulfilling Japanese meal quickly, making it a fitting choice for everyday dining in the Concord community.

Sogo Express

1480 Concord Pkwy N, Concord, NC 28025, USA