Readers have been calling and e-mailing for a few weeks about the reopening of Gari of Sushi, which closed late last year after an electrical fire damaged the kitchen and lounge of the Lincoln neighborhood restaurant.
TNT Diner reader David Berg e-mailed last week, “Gari of Sushi is by far our favorite sushi place in the area, so we were disappointed when they hadn’t reopened by my wife’s birthday.”
Like many of its fans, the owners of Gari thought the restaurant would open in July. But as happens in the restaurant business, things don’t always go as planned. Construction delays, booths arrived late, some of the tables weren't what they wanted (they plan to get others), the chairs aren't quite working and will be replaced, etc. etc.
The good news: If they pass all inspections, Gari’s owners expect to reopen Friday.
Manager Mina Maxwell will update TNT Diner readers, so check back for updates as Friday gets closer.
I stopped by yesterday for a tour with Mina. What’s different? The layout. They moved the entrance to the parking lot side of the building. The restaurant is now separated into three dining areas. The lounge is gone. In its place, room for more diners. Mina said the restaurant will still serve alcohol, just without a lounge. A larger sushi bar flanks the kitchen. The decor is quite different. Custom stained glass from Big M Stained glass, located near the Tacoma Dome, separates the two main dining room. Spacious booths fill one dining area.
Some things at Gari remain, Mina said everyone is coming back, including chef-owner Kazuya “Kazu” Kamada, who was at the restaurant yesterday working on opening details. The menu will remain, but a few new rolls will be added to the menu. Said Mina as she and owner Mi Ja Lim tended final details yesterday, “We are so anxious to open. We know everyone is waiting.” Absolutely, we are.

Gari of Sushi: 1209 S 38th St., Tacoma; 253-475-3456

Here, a glimpse of the main dining room.

Want to see pictures of the interior? Click Read More.

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