Finally, Wichita’s KPOT is about to open. Here’s how the all-you-can-eat restaurant works:

Wichita has been waiting a long, long, long time for the new hot pot restaurant KPOT .

How long? Towne East Square first announced back in late March 2023 that the chain would add a restaurant at the mall. That was 18 months ago.

But it’s finally happening. The restaurant, which has taken over the former Third Planet space near the southeast entrance of the mall, has scheduled its public opening for Monday.

KPOT, which has more than 80 restaurants across the country, describes itself as a “unique, hands-on all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges Asian Hot Pot with Korean BBQ flavors.”

The menu, which you can see below, allows diners to build their own Korean-style BBQ or hot pot meals. Either way, they get raw, seasoned meat, seafood and veggies that they either cook themselves on a grill built into the center of the table or boil themselves in broth that’s simmering on hot plates built into the table.

Diners who pick the barbecue option can choose from several different types of beef, chicken, pork, seafood and veggies. Those who want to make hot pot soup choose a soup base with choices like Thai Tom Yum, Japanese Miso, tomato and “healthy herbs.” They then can pick which meats, seafood, veggies, tofu and noodles they want.

Customers pay a flat price for the all-you-can-eat meals. A timer is set, and, using a tablet that’s left at the table, they can reorder as many times as they want before the timer goes off. They can get just Korean BBQ, just hot pot, or both.

There’s also a self-serve bar where customers can load up on sauces, herbs and extras.

The all-you-can-eat meals are $20.99 at lunch and $30.99 at dinner. Customers are charged an extra $5 if they want both barbecue and hot pot.

The restaurant also has a full bar that carries sake plus various beers, wines and craft cocktails.

Wichita’s KPOT will be open from noon to 10:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from noon to 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The last seating will happen one hour before closing every day.

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