CHIKO, from chef Scott Drewno  (formerly of the acclaimed The Source), the co-owner of Mandu (Danny Lee), and Matchbox (Drew Kim), opens next Friday, July 7th on Barracks Row in the old DC-9 space (423 8th St. SE, at E St. SE).

The restaurant, which is the first location of the group’s Fried Rice Collective, will feature some sort of Chinese/Korean cuisine (the concept is still mysterious AF, as the kids say, as CHIKO’s social media is quite coy at what’s coming). CHIKO has applied for a liquor license for the cozy 28-seat spot, with hours as late as midnight.

Glimpses of social media photos posted by the group suggest that Korean fried chicken sliders and dumplings will part of the offerings.