It’s a somber day for the food community in Burnaby as Kazu Japanese Restaurant, a staple on Hastings, announces its permanent closure set for April 7th, 2024.
The news came as a shock to many, shared through a touching message on the restaurant’s social media on Thursday March 21st.
This marks the end of a decade-long journey of the authentic Japanese restaurant.
Owned and operated by Kazuhisa Tanimoto, Kazu has been a popular spot for genuine Japanese flavours in the area.
Chef Kazu’s culinary journey is rich, beginning in the 1980s at Koko on East Hastings, a stint at the Pan Pacific Hotel, and then dedicating over a decade to Shiro on Cambie Street.
Known for its unpretentious vibe and excellent sushi, Shiro was where Chef Kazu honed his craft before opening Kazu in August 2014.
Kazu had a modest interior, with special menu items plastered on the walls, but a vibrant atmosphere within.
The menu here wasn’t large and avoided straying from the fusion sushi rolls that many of the Japanese restaurants went into.
It stayed true to the authentic Japanese items that Chef Kazu has mastered.
From appetizers like Gomae to tempura to fresh maki rolls made Kazu a beloved spot among locals.
On March 21st, the restaurant shared a heartfelt message with its customers, expressing deep gratitude for the support and love it has received over the years.
“We are immensely grateful for the support and patronage you have shown us throughout the 10 years. Your loyalty and enthusiasm have made this journey truly unforgettable,” the message read, thanking everyone for being a part of their story.
The announcement was met with an outpouring of sadness from loyal customers, many of whom expressed hope that Chef Kazu might reopen in a new location.
The reasons behind the closure remain unspecified, leaving fans to speculate and reminisce about their favourite dishes and memories at Kazu.
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Address: 4332 Hastings St. Burnaby BC