Kyuu-juu Is Closing After Just Six Months

There are restaurant closures that come as abrupt shocks and then there’s whatever is happening at Kyuu-juu in Ohio City.

Management today announced that the modern izakaya, which only opened its doors in July, will close for good at the end of service on December 31.

“After a wonderful, tragic, beautiful, chaotic journey of many memorable moments with friends, colleagues and guests, our investors have chosen to stop financially backing Kyuu-Juu,” a message posted to Instagram stories read.

Partners Ryan Endrian and Chef Kwan created one of the hottest tickets in town, offering small plates built around veggies, chicken, beef, and duck alongside shining sashimi dishes featuring seafood flown in from Tokyo. Classics preparations mingled with modern interpretations. The izakaya experience felt at once special and casual.

And it’s all no more.

Kwan told Scene he and his team tried in recent weeks to convince the investor to give the restaurant a longer runway, but that person wanted the restaurant closed, and soon.

“We invite you all to oin us for one last celebration,” management said. “Come enjoy your favorite dishes or cocktails, share a toast, and please help us say goodbye the best way we know how… together. Thank you all for being a part of our story. Let’s end on a high note. Kanpai!”

Sushi Kuwahata, Chef Kwan’s eight-seat omakase restaurant which operates in the second floor of the renovated Victorian, will remain open “for now,” Chef Kwan said.

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