Hana Japanese Eatery closing after nearly 20 years in central Phoenix

A Japanese restaurant that has served customers in metro Phoenix for nearly 20 years is set to close soon, according to a recent announcement from the company.

Hana Japanese Eatery, which serves sushi and other staples of the cuisine near Seventh and Missouri avenues, will soon go out of business.

“We’ve watched families grow, celebrated birthdays, engagements, marriages, anniversaries, and countless milestones. We’ve shared laughter, stories, special occasions, and ordinary days that somehow became special,” according to a Friday social media post. “You’ve trusted us to be part of your celebrations, your traditions and your lives. That is a gift we will never take for granted.”

Hana Japanese Eatery opened in 2007.

What Hana Japanese Eatery said about its closure

The company is one of several longtime local restaurants that announced an end to business in 2026. Tempe Ethiopian eatery Cafe Lalibela, which opened in 1996, closed earlier this year, as did Phoenix Italian restaurant Giuseppe’s, which opened in 2002.

“While we don’t have a confirmed closing date just yet, we know our time at this location is coming to an end,” the company announcement said.

The restaurant didn’t just make its mark on families who frequented it. Hana Japanese Eatery also made a name for itself in the culinary world. Co-owner Lori Hashimoto was one of the semifinalists in Arizona’s 2022 James Beard Awards.

“Before we close our doors, please come see us. Have one more meal, enjoy a favorite dish, bring a friend, or simply stop by to say hello. We’d love the opportunity to see you and thank you in person,” the company announcement said. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for nearly 20 years of allowing us into your lives and making Hana part of yours.”

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