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Japanese restaurant in West Kelowna forced to close due to ‘ongoing staff shortages’

West Kelowna residents who are fans of sushi and a great bowl of ramen will be disappointed.

Kojo Westside owner Tatsuo Kan announced on Tuesday that the popular Japanese restaurant will be closing for good.

<who>Photo Credit: Realtor.ca

The unfortunate news comes on the heels of a month-long hiatus that the business took from Dec. 22-Jan. 20.

While Kan did not provide a reason for the extended holiday hiatus in December, Tuesday’s announcement said that “ongoing staff shortages” is the reason for this latest decision.

“Serving you has been an absolute privilege, and we truly appreciate your patronage and kindness throughout the years,” Kan wrote in a message posted to the Kojo Westside Facebook page.

Although this is the end of the Kojo era in West Kelowna, which began in 2019, things are still going strong at the original Kojo location in the South Okanagan.

“We invite you to visit our Penticton location if you’re craving sushi or ramen,” Kan added. “There, you’ll find an expanded menu to enjoy!”

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia/Gord Goble</who>Tatsuo Kan

Kan also invited people to look for their sake and sauces business Kizuna, which NowMedia reporter Gord Goble profiled a year ago, at local farmers’ markets and events.

“We look forward to serving you again in the future, wherever that may be,” he said.

As Kojo Westside closes its doors, it’s uncertain what the future looks like for the restaurant’s location at 3466 Carrington Rd.

Kan said they are currently looking for someone to either take over the business or provide a similar service in the space.

The business is currently listed for sale by Heena Nagar and Mike Jamieson for $199,000.



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