rakki toronto

One of Toronto's hottest new sushi restaurants permanently closing due to bad economy

After only about half a year in business, one of the hottest new sushi concepts in Toronto has announced they're shutting down.

Perhaps it sadly shouldn't be so much of a surprise they're closing: after all, it was only operated by one person.

Rakki has been tucked away in a sleepy plaza near Bloor and Kipling, with Japanese master sushi chef Wen Kai Shi behind the counter. They operated on a takeout-only basis, but sushi trays were inimitable because of the way they changed due to supply and demand.

Now, they're not going to be available at all, even just for takeout.

"It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing the closure of Rakki. Rakki has always been a dream of mine but due to unforeseen circumstances I must take a step back and tend to my health first," reads a social media post from Wen Kai Shi.

"Thank you everyone for allowing me to live my dreams even if for a short period of time. I welcome you to come taste Rakki and my love for sushi one last time."

"I’m closing Rakki due to first and foremost my health. I have to take a step back to tend to my health first. But secondly, the economy has not been great which resulted in slower demand," Shi tells blogTO.

"It's difficult as food cost is so high and volatile and the desire to spend is low. It's sad as everything is so expensive and people wish to support but just can't and I completely understand that."

He's hoping to try and find a suitable successor for the business.

"On top of that, the tipping fatigue is plaguing people with feeling uncomfortable. It truly has been a perfect storm, as I wanted this so badly and it didn't go according to plan and then my health hasn't been great since so I must take a step back while trying to find a potential successor," says Shi.

Because of that, he optimistically calls the closure an "indefinite hiatus." Take care to note that they operate on a preorder-only basis, with preorders placed online. October 16 will be the last day to get a taste of some of Rakki's sushi.

Lead photo by

Rakki


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