An employee at Kasai Japanese Steakhouse in Scottsdale tested positive for COVID-19, leading the restaurant to delay its June 16 reopening.

In a message posted on the restaurant’s website, Kasai’s reopening of its establishment at 14344 N. Scottsdale Road won’t reopen for two weeks. Kasai plans to use this time to test its entire staff for COVID-19.

“When we reopen, we will adhere to all CDC recommendations including face masks for staff, reduced dine-in seating and social distancing parameters,” the message stated. “Kasai will also go through rigorous daily sanitization and temperature checks for all staff before each shift. We look forward to serving you when we reopen.”

Initial reopening plans called for the addition of four teppanyaki tables, bringing the restaurant’s total to 14 and allowing for up to 146 teppanyaki seating.

Originally, teppanyaki tables were only at the back and sides of the restaurant. With the addition of the four hoodless tables, teppanyaki becomes the focal point of the dining room.

“We are thrilled to be able to give more of what everyone loves with the expansion of our highly successful teppanyaki program,” Owner Mike Russello said in a prepared statement. “Our guests want that high-energy dining experience that they look forward to when they come to Kasai.”

In addition to the expanded teppanyaki seating, Kasai has refreshed its interior décor which, it claims, offers a more open and inviting floorplan.

The large full-service bar and creative bartenders are crafting new and refreshing custom cocktails.

The signature drinks include the Violet Solstice, made with Hendricks Mid-Summer Solstice Gin, Crème de Violette, and fresh lemon juice, or The P. King cocktail (in honor of original owner Patrick King) made with Toki Japanese whiskey, lychee liqueur, fresh lime juice and a dash of bitters.

The menu has been simplified and offers dishes such as the new Kasai Filet Carpaccio, thinly sliced mid-western grass-fed angus beef, seasoned and seared and served with sesame oyster glaze, fresh ginger, scallions and cilantro.

Also on the menu, Mongolian Lamb Chops, Australian lamb marinated in a Mongolian barbeque sauce, char-grilled and served over Asian slaw and coconut curry beurre blanc.

The heart of the menu is teppanyaki, with more than 50 dinners and combinations offered. Each teppanyaki experience is served with seven courses, and lots of fire and flare from the charismatic Kasai teppan chefs, a release states.

When the time comes, Kasai will take reservations by phone only and will be open for dinner from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 4-9 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Happy hour will be offered daily from 4-6:30 p.m. and offers $2 off all beer and wine, $3 off all cocktails and $2 off all appetizers. Teppan Happy Hour will be daily from 4-5 p.m. and includes select items at discounted prices.