Looking to Move Forward After 43 Years on the Sunset Strip Help Kinoe & Yayoi Keep the Legacy Alive
MOVING FORWARD
After 43 years on the Sunset Strip, Ta-Ke Sushi had to close its doors on April 5 to make way for a large hotel to be built on the block. For many longtime customers, it was more than just a restaurant—it was a warm, familiar spot where Kinoe and Yayoi welcomed everyone with fresh sushi and a genuine sense of home.
The Ta-Ke team cleared out the last of its furnishings and equipment at the 8866 W Sunset location on April 15, saving most of the décor in boxes in case they are able to move forward and duplicate a similar experience in another special location. They are looking, even though right now everything feels very uncertain.
Together, this older couple now faces the next steps head on as they figure things out and follow up on suggestions from those trying to help. Their future is uncertain, moving forward is expensive, and they can really use our continued love and support—and financial assistance.
Kinoe and Yayoi feel very blessed to have such wonderful people in their lives.
For their personal story, please see below:
TA-KE SUSHI MUST CLOSE
The developers say they are ready to roll and the whole block at 8850 Sunset must go, to be replaced with a huge multi-use hotel.
Historic retro Hollywood is soon to be torn down and replaced with yet another skyscraper made of glass and steel that could exist anywhere, but can never replace what stood here.
After 43 years, Ta-Ke Sushi closed its doors on Sunday, April 5.
Ta-Ke Sushi is considered a “Legacy” restaurant that has stood the test of time on the West Hollywood Sunset Strip, surviving whatever the crazy decades could throw at it. It has the distinction of being one of the very first sushi restaurants in LA outside of Little Tokyo—and, sadly, it is now one of the last remaining “mom and pop” spots on the Strip, now entering its final chapter at this iconic location.
Literally, the rug is being pulled from under the feet of the beloved older Japanese couple, Kinoe and Yayoi, who have been the owners of this special sushi haven for over 20 years. They have poured their hearts and lives into continuing the Ta-Ke legacy as a “one-of-a-kind” family-owned experience (their American Dream), serving fresh, traditional sushi dishes while customers soak up the cozy Japanese ambiance, a feeling of “home.” Together with their son, Andy, they expected to keep Ta-Ke open for many years to come.
Like so many restaurants in the area, they have been operating on a thread and are not prepared for this surprising next chapter in their lives. They are appreciative to the landlord for extending the initial exit date, even though no payout could be paid. Funds are stretched thin and they do not have the financial cushion to handle expensive moving costs or to help bridge their own personal transition with stability. The restaurant is their primary source of income, which will end when the doors close.
Their hope is to have the opportunity to move forward somewhere in the local West Hollywood community that has become like family over the years, and continue to serve their loyal, longtime customers—while remaining open to a location that reflects the same energy and potential. They have truly loved this wonderful journey on Sunset, and look forward to new possibilities.
When the pandemic swept across the city in 2020, Ta-Ke Sushi was open for lunch and dinner, and had an upper floor that was frequented by larger groups enjoying a good time. It was an understated sweet spot for celebrity faces, entertainment folks, locals, tourists, and families. But the virus and the downturn of the economy hit them very hard. They have managed to keep the doors open, even with less hours and rising costs.
This is quickly becoming an urgent situation as Kinoe and Yayoi look for options and face an uncertain future at this stage of their lives. They have joyously given so much of themselves and asked for so little. They live a simple life, and are not prepared for retirement. Born into a fisherman family in Shizuoka, Japan, Kinoe still eagerly arrives very early at the fish market to hand select only the best. He loves the art of cutting fish and creating delicious dishes, with Yayoi by his side.
During the pandemic, they refused the help of generous customers and friends, but under these circumstances, they can truly use any support that comes their way.
This GoFundMe has been set up for those who would like to help these special people get through this tough time in their lives.
As they consider options, the future is unknown. Any contribution, no matter the size, would truly mean a lot to them, and they would be extremely grateful.
As Kinoe and Yayoi look back on the past, they are filled with appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity of serving others, and being part of the history of the Sunset Strip. It has been their joy and privilege. They are now hoping for a new chapter to their Ta-Ke Sushi legacy.
With love and appreciation to them,
Linda Culpepper A Longtime Customer & Friend
Organizer
