Zutto Japanese Restaurant, a longtime downtown Sushi restaurant, is the latest victim of an economic downturn that has prompted the closure of several other Boise dining establishments in recent months.
Located at 615 W. Main St., across from the Boise City Hall, Zutto had been in operation for 11 years before rising food costs and other economic factors led to it closing its doors early this week.
Signs were posted on the restaurant’s storefront Tuesday morning saying, “Economic downfall has prompted our closure,” and thanking customers for their patronage over the years. A call to Zutto went unanswered, but a recorded voice message repeated the wording on the signs.
Zutto joins 8th Street Wine Co. and Satchel’s Grill as the latest downtown Boise restaurants to close their doors, both of which announced their departures in August. Andrae’s, Mortimer’s Idaho Cuisine and MilkyWay also closed earlier this year.
11 Comments
Keep your heads up Boiseans! This is not the end of our vibrant downtown. I actually believe that the owners of Zutto just decided to call it quits. They were there for 11 years and the passion just fizzled out. Think about it- how long did you wait for your food to arrive at your table the last time you were at Zutto? For the last two years, Zutto has been lacking in many ways. We will absolutely miss Zutto, but Zach, do not for one second lump the Zutto closure onto the economic downturn bandwagon. Let's get real people. There are other reasons for restauranteurs to close the doors after 11 years!
8th Street Wine bar closed because the business owner sunk close to 800,000 dollars into a building he didnt own, in fact, Boise was offering him adequate patronage, but he just made a bad decision.
I'd say Satchel's is truly the one we could possibly blame on the economic times. Other than that, keep your heads up Boise!
We're better off than other cities, and yes, even with the Micron layoffs, we'll come out of this.
Comment By Carl Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 11:53 PM
The food industry typically takes an early hit during economic turn downs as the public cuts back on discretionary spending. In all fairness, the article actually left out several other restaurants which have closed downtown including, recently, Taste of Memphis.
I don't believe discussing restaurant closures (or any other retail store closures) signifies the end of a vibrant downtown anymore than ignoring the real economic hardships our retailers are going through. You would think that an honest discussion of the situation will remind consumers of our current economic reality -> if you want your favorite restaurants / retailers / service providers around when we come out of the current economic cycle, you might want to consider patronizing those same businesses now.
Boise will be fine in the long run; capitalism doesn't (well it didn't used to) guarantee the survival of all companies, but survival of the fittest companies. Retailers will come and go and new ones will roll in behind them.
Being in the commercial real estate industry, I've actually noticed more companies desiring to located in the downtown core lately. That could just be unique to our company, but clearly we are showing more properties in that market area. To a large degree those tech & business oriented companies want to be downtown to have an enjoyable place to work, a work environment conducive to employee retention & for business synergy.
Downtown Boise is strong for sure. Downtown Meridian will also be very strong after completion of The Hub, the McFadden Market Co-Op and the Old Town revitalization projects - including creating a true pedestrian area on East 2nd.
Now if we can only take care of a few of the structural impediments in downtown Boise....like free street level consumer parking for 2 hours. We can keep ignoring it, but that is the #1 objection we get for commercial space in the downtown core. And for full disclosure, "yes" I did get another parking ticket for visiting a downtown business after our meeting ran over 15 minutes.
Comment By Scott Nicholson Wednesday, October 15, 2008 @ 7:06 AM
Agreeing with Carl. I'm personally amazed they made it that long. Word among sushi lovers was that Zutto wasn't what it used to be and the competition was just better.
Comment By Bill McCall Wednesday, October 15, 2008 @ 9:38 AM
I often heard of the legendary Zutto and ate there are few times this past year and sadly was not impressed. The service was slow, slow, slow, and the quality of the sushi was nothing like the other sushi restaurants in downtown.
The exciting aspect about their closure is what else will open in that awesome space? The building is beautiful and the location is great. A nice upscale bistro? Hopefully it isn't doomed to become a boring pub or club.
Comment By Sean Wednesday, October 15, 2008 @ 10:23 AM
Zuttos was not good for the past 3 years. Every time, fatty fish, lots of tendons, didn't melt in your mouth, terrible service. I'm sure the economy had some role, but the restaurant owner should take 80% of the blame. Head to Sakana's in Meridian, sushi chefs from NYC, fish flown in fresh daily. The best BY FAR in the Treasure Valley.
It's funny though, you speak with restaurant owners like John Berryhill, who says business is "Great"...how are we to know how badly a restaurant is suffering if their owners are too proud to tell us. That's what loyal patrons are for, to support you, in good times and even more so in bad. The restaurants should be advertising, having specials, support the community with events and discounts, and they will come! In times like this it doesn't pay to be proud, it pays to be honest!
Comment By Lola Wednesday, October 15, 2008 @ 3:28 PM
To correct any perception that the owners of Zutto -- Kimberly Kohler and Atsushi Nakano -- are being secretive, or too "proud," to talk about what's going on, I wanted to make it known that I've spoken at length with Kimberly and we will be publishing a much larger story on the closure of their business soon. So keep your eyes peeled.
Comment By Zach Hagadone/IBR Wednesday, October 15, 2008 @ 5:47 PM
Re: comment by Lola...
I prefer that my sushi chefs to come from Japan, not NYC.
Comment By David Thursday, October 16, 2008 @ 2:25 PM
I am truly sorry that Zutto has closed its doors. As A small business owner downtown I understand all too well about the rising cost of doing business. Being a independent owner in the food and beverage industry can take its toll on your life both personally and proffesionaly. Hats of to Zutto for blazing a trail for sushi in Boise when there was none. Thanks and best of luck in the future!
Comment By Sarah Thursday, October 16, 2008 @ 9:09 PM
I am truly sorry that Zutto has closed its doors. As A small business owner downtown I understand all too well about the rising cost of doing business. Being a independent owner in the food and beverage industry can take its toll on your life both personally and proffesionaly. Hats of to Zutto for blazing a trail for sushi in Boise when there was none. Thanks and best of luck in the future!
Comment By Sarah Thursday, October 16, 2008 @ 9:09 PM
Agreed David. Not only to I prefer my shushi chefs to come from Japan, but I also prefer not to dine at a strip mall in the midst of urban sprawl.
We'll miss you Zutto-
Comment By John Friday, October 17, 2008 @ 10:32 AM
Before you trash Sakana, consider that they're doing something right. They are full every time I go there and I can't imagine it's by chance. Although they aren't downtown, they happen to have the best sushi that I've had in the Treasure Valley. Good (and quick) service, attractive yet simple ambiance and amazing food is a perfect recipe for a successful up and coming restaurant in the area. Also, I go there at least once a week and have yet to see a server, hostess or chef that is not from Japan. No NYC impostors as far as I can see. Try it out, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Comment By Izar Sunday, October 19, 2008 @ 11:57 PM
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