CLOSURE: Chain restaurant location closing after over a decade in Toronto

A chain restaurant for Asian food that specializes in teppanyaki-style cooking on a hot grill in front of diners is closing its only location in downtown Toronto.

Hibachi is known for its interactive presentation style, where diners gather around a grill where a chef cooks live right in front of everybody. Now, downtown Toronto is losing its location for that type of experience.

The restaurant took to social media to let everyone know that the location of Hibachi in downtown Toronto would soon be no more.

“As one of our very first locations, Downtown Toronto will always hold a special place in our hearts,” reads a post on social media signed by the downtown Hibachi team. “We are grateful for every guest, every celebration, and every memory we’ve shared together over the years. Thank you for being part of our journey.”

In under 24 hours, the post announcing the closure of the downtown Toronto location of Hibachi accumulated hundreds of likes, as well as lots of comments on Instagram from people who are sorry to see the restaurant go, with many posting crying emojis in response to the news.

The teppanyaki at Hibachi is served with miso soup, green salad, grilled veggies, rice and a range of sauces. The teppanyaki service includes high end options such as scallops, AAA striploin steak, AAA filet mignon and lobster tail.

Hibachi also has luxurious choices on the menu that include the Surf and Turf with AAA filet mignon and lobster tail, the Tsunami with shrimp, scallops, and lobster tail, the Chef’s Kiss with AAA striploin steak, chicken, and shrimp, and The Emperor with AAA filet mignon, lobster tail, salmon, and chicken.

There are still locations of Hibachi operating in Ontario in Scarborough, Mississauga, North York, Vaughan, Oakville, Cambridge, Barrie, Burlington and Hamilton.

“Chef Kee isn’t just cooking – he’s putting on a show. As the mastermind behind Hibachi, Kee has been igniting grills and dazzling taste buds since 1996,” reads the official website for Hibachi.

“Specializing in Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisine, he’s built a sizzling empire of teppanyaki restaurants where the flames dance, knives fly, and every meal is an experience. Whether you’re craving expertly seared steak, fresh sushi, or a little table side fire show, Kee and his team serve up flavour with a side of excitement.

The last day for Hibachi in downtown Toronto near 1 Hotel on Wellington Street West will be June 21.