Yami Buffet Will Open in Medford This October
A new Asian-style restaurant will soon occupy a former retail space in Bear Creek Plaza.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Yami Buffet is scheduled to open its doors in mid-October 2026 at 1070 Biddle Road in Medford. The new establishment will take over the former Big Lots location within the Bear Creek Plaza shopping center.
Why it matters
The arrival of this new dining and entertainment hub marks a significant transformation for the vacant commercial space at Bear Creek Plaza. It introduces a multifaceted business model to the area, combining dining with retail and recreation.
The new business is located at 1070 Biddle Road within the 189,000-square-foot Bear Creek Plaza shopping center. The site was previously occupied by a Big Lots retail store.
The players
Yami Buffet Inc.
The company is a registered business entity that was officially filed with the state in July 2026.
Bear Creek Plaza
This local shopping center spans approximately 189,000 square feet and serves as the commercial host for the new restaurant.
The details
The facility is set to offer a diverse range of amenities, including a buffet restaurant featuring sushi, seafood, and hibachi. Plans for the site also incorporate an Asian market and an arcade to complement the dining experience.
Timeline
July 14, 2026: Yami Buffet Inc. registered with the state of Oregon.
Mid-October 2026: The restaurant is scheduled to open for business.
Market Landscape
This project follows the industry pattern of redeveloping vacant big-box stores into mixed-use venues. It reflects a shift in commercial real estate where large retail footprints are increasingly partitioned for diverse food, retail, and entertainment services.
Residents can expect new dining and shopping options as the project nears its mid-October 2026 opening date. The conversion of this retail space provides a new venue for sushi, seafood, and hibachi dining in the local community.
The takeaway
The transformation of the former retail unit highlights the ongoing evolution of shopping centers to meet shifting consumer demands. Locals looking for new recreational or culinary experiences should keep an eye on the plaza as final renovations conclude.
Further reading
For more information on other local business activity, visit the Medford Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medford Alert News.
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