Southeast Portland Sushi Shop Ichidai Closes Due to Coronavirus-Related Hardship

The list of COVID-19 related closures grows by another, as Japanese restaurant Ichidai announced sometime late this week that it would be closing its doors for good. The restaurant, known for being a friendly, laidback spot for sushi rolls and noodles, had served the Foster-Powell neighborhood for over 20 years.

Owner Akihiro Hirakiuchi did not give a detailed reason for the closure, other than the hardships faced by the pandemic and dining room closures. “When the State of Oregon declared State of Emergency in mid-March 2020, we have faced tremendous challenges to keep both public and staff safe which led to temporary closure of our restaurant,” he wrote on the restaurant’s website. “After weeks of closing, we regret to announce that we have decided to put a permanent end to our business in SE Portland. We wish that you enjoyed dining with us as much as we enjoyed having you at our restaurant.”

Hirakiuchi goes on to suggest that there might be some form of the restaurant in the future, writing, “We aim at creating a next venture offering safe and comfortable environment for both customers and staff, so that our spirit of caring for each other will continue. Nothing can be certain now except for our passion.”

Eater reached out for additional details about the closure, but Ichidai’s phone has already been disconnected.

• Ichidai [official]
• Oregon Orders Closure of All Bars and Restaurant Dining Rooms [EPDX]