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ICHI Sushi, the Mission Street restaurant known for its approachable omakase experience as well as its tightly edited menu of rolls, small plates, and salads, won’t reopen when the pandemic ends, owners Tim and Erin Archuleta announced Tuesday night. They’re now hoping to sell their business to someone who will take over the Bernal Heights-adjacent space and make it their own.
Tablehopper was the first with the news, writing that the Archuletas, who had completely shuttered the business when the pandemic first hit, “just don’t see a path to reopening soon.”
One obvious factor is Tim’s health. He’s always been the spot’s chef since it opened in 2006, but in 2016 he fell so ill that the business — which had grown so popular that it had expanded into a second location just up the street — downsized into its original, smaller space. The situation was dire enough that 12 fellow businesses, including Corridor, Flour & Water, Namu Gaji, PizzaHacker, Deli Board, Lolinda, Waterbar, and the Front Porch, mounted a fundraiser for the Archuletas to help defray their healthcare and related costs.
Thank you to everyone, especially our amazing team members through the years who made ICHI such a special place. We’ve loved working with and learning from all of you. Thank you to the guests who trusted us with all your special memories. Love to you all
— Erin Archuleta (@erinarchuleta) June 23, 2020
The business — and Tim — managed to recover, but the pandemic proved too much for ICHI, the Archuletas say, and the business is permanently closed. “Please DM us if you’re interested in the space we loved so well,” ICHI says via Twitter. The news has already prompted an outpouring of grief from the restaurant’s many fans, who mourned its sustainable seafood, friendly atmosphere, and more.
On behalf of the many people whose dates, birthdays, and random Tuesdays you made special: thank you. Ichi Sushi was a joy to review and recommend.
— Alison Bing (@AlisonBing) June 24, 2020
May your inspiration and kindness be returned to you, with that exquisite extra dollop of spicy daikon.
Oh erin! So sorry to hear this but a sensible decision by the sound of things. Maybe if you find a new owner you and I can dine there together one day xxxx
— Helen Prowse (@hlp) June 24, 2020
Thank you both so much for creating such a wonderful place. It made me happy every time I went there. So sorry to hear it's closing but hope you're all very proud of the wonderful memories and delicious bites you gave all of us. Thank you.
— Charlie Rybak (@charlierybak) June 24, 2020