What started as a small fire is turning into so much more for our family. It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of my uncle, Kenny Lai, the owner of Teriyaki House.

Teriyaki House was more than just a business to Kenny, it was his identity. If you’ve met him then you know that he was never without his T-house gear and to the embarrassment of his children drove around town in his custom decaled car. Twenty-three years ago we opened in Southie and have been showing up every day for this community, serving great food, sharing stories, and being the constant no one knew they needed in this rapidly changing neighborhood.

Kenny’s passing was unexpected and has shaken our family, our friends, and our staff. During this incredibly difficult time, we are doing our best to keep moving forward with the restaurant re-opening. This fundraiser is meant to help support our family and the people who helped make the restaurant what it is today. The love this community has shown our family through the last two decades has been overwhelming in the best way.

With this unimaginable loss we are working hard to pick up where Kenny left off and focus on welcoming everyone back to work and into the restaurant my uncle was so proud of. Any support — whether through donations, shares, stories, or kind words truly mean the world to us and will help us get back on our feet. Any funds that are not needed will be donated to a charity in his honor.

Thank you for being patient with us, supporting our restaurant, and helping us honor my uncle’s memory and legacy in Southie. We can’t wait to feed you again soon.