Kamehachi Shutters Streeterville, Moving Wells St. Location

After a decade serving tuna rolls, tempura, miso and more, Kamehachi closed its Streeterville location on June 30 to make way for an expansion by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Owner Giulia Sindler said her family had hoped to secure a new location in the area before having to close their doors, but a deal fell through just two days before the location shuttered at 240 E. Ontario.

But not all is gloomy. Kamehachi's main location on Wells in Old Town is about to get a shake up. After spending about 17 years in this spot (the original Kamehachi opened in 1967 about a block away), the restaurant is about to move again. Don't worry, it's not going far.

Sindler said that they have taken over the space that formerly housed Eivissa at 1531 N. Wells, about a block and a half north, and hope to open by September 1. The move will give Kamehachi a fresh start. "In moving the Wells location, we are looking to create a fresher more updated version of the old standard," she said. "[We're] staying true to the authenticity of our Japanese culture and roots while balancing a progression in our brand and concept."

The new 6,000 square-foot space will have seating for 200 plus a lounge/party room on the second floor. The restaurant will also have access to a sidewalk patio and they'll continue the tradition of late-night sushi, which has been a staple at the restaurant.

When they open, Kamehachi will also expand their menu, but Sindler couldn't reveal just yet what they plan to do. However, she did say that their new exec chef Christopher Fennell is working on some creative new dishes and chef Iwao Handa will dig deeper into more classic Japanese cuisine.

Sindler added that once they get the new spot open, they plan on seeking out a new home for their now-closed Streeterville location, which may or may not stay in that neighborhood.

Kamehachi Old Town [Photo: Planet99]