Despite having a steady client base and faithful regulars who would fill the seats, popular Cambridge restaurant, Nagano Sushi is set to close for good this month.
Located at the prime location of Hespeler and Pinebush roads, Nagano Sushi has been serving authentic Japanese and Korean food in Cambridge for the last 12 years. With no obvious sign of closing, the owner Jeff Huang has decided to hang up his apron and close the doors, permanently on Feb. 26.
"We have good food and good customers, but the price of everything is becoming too much," Huang told CambridgeToday. "The last few years have just become such a headache."
Nagano can still pack the room, but the issue isn't low sales, said the owner. The reason for his decision comes from the soaring prices of premium ingredients used in their food.
"We have very good regulars that come in, but if our sales stay the same and our prices go up, we are going to start losing money," he added.
Huang is looking at this as a time of reflection and relief. He and his staff were able to make it the business work for more than a decade, including two years under the cloud of COVID. The road was not easy, he said, but he was able to make it through with a smile on his face.
"I'm not sad. This means I can rest and start looking at the next thing, that's what I'm going to do," he said.
The restaurateur opened Nagano 12 years ago after departing from another kitchen in Richmond Hill. Having been in the culinary business for over 18 years, he is happy for his time spent in Cambridge and will always try and keep the connections he has formed working in the city.
"I don't know if this is the end for me here in Cambridge, definitely at this location, but who knows after I take a break I might get a new energy and want to reopen somewhere new," added Huang.
The sushi spot on Pinebush became a staple in many Cambridge residents' lives and took some of them by surprise when the closure was announced earlier this week.
"Heads up sushi lovers. Nagano Sushi in Cambridge is closing PERMANENTLY as of Sunday February 26th. Get in and order amazing sushi before you can’t," wrote someone in a Facebook post.
"I am heartbroken over this news! It's our favourite sushi spot," read another comment.
The current business has already been sold and will reopen as a Indian restaurant, Huang said.
"I am going to miss everyone who helped make these last 12 years worth it. Thank you to everybody from the bottom of my heart."
