Sushi Kuwahata to Reopen in Original Ohio City Location

A wild ride has just gotten a little bit wilder.

Sushi Kuwahata, an exclusive eight-seat omakase-style sushi den in Ohio City, abruptly shuttered in February after less than one year. Since opening this past summer, the Michelin-caliber sushi counter had been drawing raves for its dazzling multi-course experiences that get booked months in advance.

That unexpected closure followed quickly on the heels of the equally surprising shuttering of Kyuu-juu, a compelling izakaya-style bar in the same building. Kyuu-juu closed in December after just a six-month residency.

In speaking with partners Ryan Endrian and Chef Kwan at that time, the twin closures were blamed on investors who were unwilling to provide a longer runway for success. It was heartbreaking news for the operators, who had invested so much time, effort and passion into the projects.

But now, in a stunning turnaround, those owners have announced that they will be reopening Sushi Kuwahata in the same Ohio City space. Chef Kwan said that he was approached by the building’s new tenant to resume his business in the same second-level space.

“I’m very happy that this happened,” explains Chef Kwan, adding that he has been approached by other investors to reopen elsewhere but the effort of starting from scratch was daunting.

When it does reopen, diners will notice some slight changes to the format and price. Instead of the typical three-hour, 17- to 20-course, $350 dinners, the new iteration will be 15 to 17 courses, $300 and closer to two hours in length.

“It was too much food for most of the people,” Kwan admits.

Also, a second room on the same level will become Kuwahata Lounge, an intimate tasting-menu restaurant serving Japanese small plates. That should come online in June.

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