A beloved restaurant now makes an unexpected shutter after a decade in business, leaving several fans mourning the closure.
The latest closure comes nine months after the death of restaurant owner and chef Michael Shortino.
A month after Shortino’s passing in September 2023, his first restaurant, Lincoln’s Haberdashery, closed down.
But Shortino’s restaurant Futo Buta in Charlotte, North Carolina, restaurant continued to operate for another nine months.
Shortino, a third-generation New Yorker, was serving up a unique style of Japanese cooking called robatayaki at the shop, reports The US Sun.
The robata technique involves grilling small portions of meat over a charcoal grill for a long period of time, similar to barbeque.
But management ultimately decided this week that it was time to shut down for good.
The restaurant announced its permanent closure via an Instagram post on Sunday, June 9.
“It is with sincere reflection that we announce the news Futo Buta’s permanent closure,” management wrote.
“For nearly a decade we have had the privilege of serving thousands of ramen bowls witnessing Charlotte and beyond embrace the vision crafted and cherished by Chef Michael Shortino,” the post read.
The restaurant called on its community to keep the memories of Shortino and Futo Buta alive.
“Just as death does not diminish the life of a loved one, the closing of a restaurant does not erase the impact it has had on a community,” the post said.
Members of the community were sad to hear about the closure.
Many shared messages of shock and disbelief on social media.
“Tragic,” wrote one customer on Facebook.
“It’s a sad day,” echoed a second.
Others tagged their friends and family to alert them of the news.
“That’s awful news. Sorry for his passing. He and his culinary art will be missed,” a third person wrote.
Futo Buta is cited as a trailblazer restaurant in Charlotte that opened its doors before ramen shops spiked in popularity.
The restaurant offered bowls of ramen and other classic Japanese dishes like sushi, donburi, and karaage.
But that’s not all it was known for.
Chef Shortino, a rock music lover, marketed the eatery as a “Southern Ramen House that plays Rock Music.”
The restaurant’s Instagram post said Michael was “up there, still listening to Pearl Jam and Motorhead.”
The Shortino family shared a heartfelt message after his death as they reflected on his impact on the community.
“We thank you all for allowing us this time to grieve,” they wrote.
“The outpouring of love, kind words, and support we’ve received from you all has been nothing short of amazing.
A testament to Michael and the impact he had on Charlotte and beyond.”
The family promised to continue Michael’s motto, “Change the world, if only at your arms length.”
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Other Economy News Today
An unexpected restaurant now abruptly closes 7 locations in one state after revealing plans to shutter a total of 36.
TGI Fridays is closing a total of seven restaurants in one state as part of the company’s ongoing growth strategy.
This comes after the chain abruptly closed 36 locations across 12 states in at the beginning of the year, per The-Sun.
The restaurant chain will pull the plug on seven locations across the state of New Jersey in the coming weeks.
Today, Fridays will welcome in famished diners at its location in Brick for the final time.
“As we continue along our path of transformation to revitalize the Fridays brand and implement a long-term growth strategy, we see a bright future for TGI Fridays,” said Weldon Spangler, CEO of TGI Fridays earlier this week.
“We are at the helm of a pivotal moment that will allow us to explore boundless advancement, expansion, and innovation to keep delivering ‘That Fridays Feeling’ that our fans know and love.”
Before the closures, TGI Fridays had about 270 US locations, according to the company’s website.
“As part of the store closures, TGI Fridays is offering more than 1,000 transfer opportunities, which represents over 80% of total impacted employees,” the company previously said in a statement.
“Our top priority has always been delivering a superior experience for each and every TGI Fridays guest, and we’ve identified opportunities to optimize and streamline our operations to ensure we are best positioned to meet – and exceed – on that brand promise,” said Ray Risley, US president and chief operating officer, in the release.
Eight other locations were sold to former CEO Ray Blanchette, a longtime stakeholder who will acquire the previously corporate-owned restaurants.
The sale comes as major changes have been made to the brand’s leadership, including the news of Weldon Spangler being made CEO.
“As we continue along our path of transformation to revitalize the Fridays brand and implement a long-term growth strategy, we see a bright future for TGI Fridays,” said Spangler in a statement.
Also Read: Retirees Will Now Receive More Money For Social Security
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