My name is Jules, and for the past two decades, Maki Yaki Uptown Whittier has been more than a restaurant — it has been a gathering place, a familiar routine, and a meaningful part of Whittier’s story. For 20 years, our family-owned business has served: first dates that became marriages, kids who grew up and now bring their own kids, students, nurses, teachers and neighbors.

What Happened
About two weeks ago, I received confirmation that our lease would not be renewed. While I respect the property owner’s decisions and the direction they’re moving in, the timing made it difficult to prepare, plan, or transition smoothly. Because everything unfolded so suddenly, we are still responsible for: final payroll for our employees, remaining rent and operating expenses, and required closing and administrative costs. As a small, family-run business, these aren’t just bills — they represent people, commitments, and more than twenty years of service and community.

Why I’m Asking for Help
Asking for help is vulnerable — but doing right by the people who make this place what it is matters more. This GoFundMe will help cover: final employee wages, remaining financial obligations tied to the Uptown closure, and transition support as we navigate this sudden change. Anything raised beyond those expenses will help sustain our Whittier Quad location during this financial setback, allowing us to regroup, rebuild, and continue serving Whittier while planning for a future comeback.

What This Restaurant Has Meant
Maki Yaki Uptown wasn’t just a stop for food — it became part of people’s memories, routines, and lives. We’ve seen: generations grow, friendships form over sushi rolls, and customers become family. It has been one of the greatest honors to serve this community — through holidays, heartbreaks, milestones, and ordinary days. Local family-owned restaurants don’t survive because of margins — they survive because of community. And Whittier has always been ours.