COLUMBIA — A staple sushi restaurant is seeking a new location to continue its decades-long run in downtown Columbia.
Camon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar will be “closing down for an unknown period of time” after nearly 42 years at 1332 Assembly St, according to a July 9 Facebook post. Its last day in the space neighboring People’s Pawn Shop will be Saturday, July 18. It’s now looking for another location, its staff said.
“Since 1985, Camon Japanese Restaurant has been proudly serving authentic Japanese cuisine and some of the freshest sushi in town,” the restaurant’s website says. “With a passion for quality and tradition, our owners have built a place where great food and genuine hospitality come together.”
From sushi rolls to swanky rooms
The building was recently sold to make way for the construction of a new hotel, the restaurant’s staff said.
The purchase is part of upscale hotel developer The Kessler Enterprise’s redevelopment plan to turn 1136 Washington St. nearby into a high-end hotel and tourist attraction. The $2.9 million deal also included the Washington Street parking garage and its collection of ground-floor storefronts, some of which are on Assembly Street.
Columbia City Council voted to sell the 94,000-square-foot office building to The Kessler Enterprise on Jan. 6.
“It has truly been a pleasure to serve generations of families and the relationships that have blossomed from here,” the restaurant’s statement says. “Also, it has been an honor to be able to provide Columbia not only a taste of traditional Japanese food and culture, but a calming and serene atmosphere to enjoy it in. All the best, Columbia, and hope to see you soon!”
There remain several options for sushi in downtown Columbia, including Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi on Main Street, M Vista and Tsunami in the Vista, and FuruSato Bento in Five Points.
Two Main Street sushi closures announced in one day
Another Main Street option for sushi, the Takosushi located inside the Arcade Mall at 1332 Main St., is also closing. The restaurant joined Camon in announcing that it was shuttering July 9, which was set to be its last day in operation. Takosushi also operates a location in Lexington.
AloJapan.com