CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Locals already know Ahi’s Fresh Wok & Jiuba as the go-to place for fast, fresh Asian fare in St. George. Building on a legacy of high-quality food and friendly service, the restaurant’s new owners are looking ahead to a bright future.
Ahi’s offers popular Asian dishes with an emphasis on healthy ingredients. Patrons will discover the freshest cuts of vegetables, sautéed in the most flavorful sauces and blended with premium protein options.
Ahi’s serves all white meat chicken, tender trimmed steak cuts, grilled pork and premium seafood. Each entrée is stir-fried in its own wok and served over white rice, brown rice or fresh homemade noodles.
Formerly known as Ahi’s Taste of Asia, the restaurant was started by Mike and Mary Villamor in 2005. Despite the community’s growth, there were few dining options in St. George at the time, particularly for Asian cuisine. Ahi’s flourished mainly through word of mouth in the years to come, attracting both longtime locals and new residents.
“People embraced it,” Mary Villamor said. “They loved the fresh concept.”
Now, the time has come for the Villamors to step away from Ahi’s after a successful 17 years in business. Richard Rivera and his wife, Jessica, owners of the family-operated Peppers Cantina in St. George, are taking the helm to continue their legacy.
“As a restaurant owner, I know the love you have for your food and your restaurant,” Rivera said. “That passion keeps you up at night, and it helps you sleep well.”
Recently, the Riveras have been orchestrating some big changes that will take Ahi’s to the next level and establish it as a dinner destination. The restaurant now offers a full-service dining experience rather than fast, casual meals. Their food is a savory adventure, Rivera said, one worthy of being plated and served.
Ahi’s still serves all the favorites locals know and love along with exciting new dishes. They butcher and cut their own meat and make every pound of noodles from scratch. Unique desserts will be added to the menu in the near future, like apple and cherry potstickers with homemade caramel.
The restaurant now has a full liquor license and a bar offering cocktails, beer and Japanese sake.
“Walking in today, it’s a very different place,” Rivera said. “It’s evolving, and we want to evolve.”
Soon, Ahi’s will be introducing fresh sushi options never before seen in St. George. Rivera is also adding a smoker for weekly meat specials, such as duck, brisket and pork belly, that will be served at both Ahi’s and Peppers Cantina.
Ahi’s and Peppers Cantina are a natural blend, Rivera said. The Villamors and the Riveras share the same philosophy when it comes to healthy, fresh ingredients and prices that keep people coming back.
“We’re continuing the tradition that Mike and Mary started by bringing fresh prep and fresh wok to the community into the next generation,” he added. “That’s the commitment we have to our customers.”
As the Riveras guide Ahi’s into its next phase, the Villamors expressed their gratitude to the St. George community for supporting them through the years. The restaurant became an extension of their family, Mike Villamor said, and many customers have become friends.
“It’s going to be a great, great restaurant,” he added. “It is today, and it’ll just get better.”
Stop by and see what’s new, or browse the menu online at EatAhis.com.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Resources
- Ahi’s Fresh Wok & Jiuba | Address: 157 E. Riverside Drive, Suite 2F, St. George | Telephone: 435-673-6604 | Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. 8 p.m. | Website.
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