JACKSON HEIGHTS — Angela Juo first eyed an empty storefront on 37th Avenue a year ago and thought it would be a perfect place to open her first restaurant.
But opening up took a little longer than expected after she gave birth to her son, Jackie, four months ago.
The 28-year-old opened Okawa Sept. 12 in the former Soraya's restaurant space near 77th Street, and is now juggling the new business and motherhood.
"It's been tiring," she said of her first week.
Juo came to Queens from China four years ago and has worked at restaurants around the city, most recently at Mado, a Japenese restaurant in Rego Park, which her in-laws owned.
Still, she dreamed of opening her own space, and had support from her family, including her husband Hom Wang and his parents.
Wang, a sushi chef, works behind the counter at Okawa and helped craft the restaurant's special rolls. They include the "American Dream," which features batter-fried whitefish and crab and the "Godzilla Roll," which has spicy tuna, avocado and crunch.
Popular appetizers include the Hamachi Kama, a grilled yellowtail served with a spicy sauce, and Ikamaru, which is barbecued squid, according to Wang's brother and the restaurant's manager Min Wang, 24.
The seafood is always fresh and delivered at least three times a week, Wang said, adding that business has been booming since last week's opening. There were lines out the door on the first day.
"The first day was chaotic," he said. "But it's been great."
Wang said that freshness, along with the restaurant's great service, help it stand out among the neighborhood's other restaurants.
Okawa has a lunch special that comes with three rolls, soup and salad for $9.95. They also serve sake, wine and Japanese beer.
Juo, whose parents watch Jackie at home in Elmhurst while she and her husband are at the restaurant, said the neighborhood has been welcoming.
"Everyone is friendly and has wished us luck," she said.
Okawa, 77-05 37th Ave., Jackson Heights. Open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
