Wokou Ramen & Yakitori Shutters In San Diego's Crown Point

October 1, 2021

After only a little over a year in business,ÌýWokou Ramen & Yakitori has announced it will shutter its restaurant in San Diego's Crown Point neighborhood.Ìý

"We want to start off by saying thank you," read the announcement on Wokou's social media channels. "After a year and a half of unforgettable memories, we have made the sorrow filled decision to permanently close the doors at our Crown Point location, but don't fret too much; we will continue business as usual out of our Carmel Valley restaurant. We looked at the situation in every possible way but, in the end, we simply couldn't figure out a logical game plan to make the best of a horrible situation due to the drastic reduction of business in this area. We want to express that even though we are closing our Crown Point location, we continue to avidly look for a new site that incorporates a full liquor license where we are able to provide you with not only amazing food, but also show you Wokou's true strength as a Japanese whiskey bar."

From Empress Capital Investments founders Joey Pena and James Langley, Wokou Ramen & Yakitori's is a Japanese fusion concept that first opened in June 2017 within the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley. After about a year and a half in development due to the installation of a yakitori grill, the second outpost of Wokou opened in a 2,800 square-foot corner unit in San Diego's Crown Point in early 2020 just a month before the pandemic struck. During the course of its unfortunately timed tenure, the Crown Point location was rarely busy, having to compete directly with nearby burger destination Rocky's Crown Pub and neighborhood gastro tavern Bayside Landing.Ìý

"This is an excruciating conclusion that we have come to without dry eyes for our Wokou family because we adore this restaurant, our loyal regulars, and of course, our amazing team who made this location what it was," continued the Wokou closure announcement. "To each and every one of you who breathed life into Wokou Crown Point with your contagious smiles and invigorating laughter, we can not say thank you enough. To our team, you put every ounce of what you had into trying to make people happier than when they had arrived. You are the reason why we do what we do."

Rather than abandon the property entirely, Empress Capital Investments intends to reconceptualize the restaurant to bring a concept more desirable to the neighborhood. Current ideas include a breakfast place by morning to transition into a chicken-centric eatery at night, as well as the possibility of a modern Mexican restaurant.Ìý

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Wokou will shutter after end of business on Sunday, October 3. The restaurant is located atÌý3801 Ingraham Street in San Diego's Crown Point area. For more information, visitÌý.