31/05/2020
Dear valued customers,
We are very grateful to have many reservations from our customers in these current circumstances.
But, as much as we hate doing so, we are currently not accepting such requests.
As everyone knows, last week the government announced a policy, allowing 50 patrons to enter the store from June 1st.
But I think many people have misunderstood, so let us make a brief explanation.
First of all, only groups of up to 10 people can make a reservation together, in addition, It is necessary to secure a social distancing measure of 4 square metres per customer,
unless we check the ID from all customers to confirm they/he/she lives in the same household.
Right now, due to the current situation, we would supposedly have a maximum capacity of 30 people at the King Street venue.
Due to issues with security measures, we would have to hire more staff members than we used to, and we cannot run our business like this.
Perhaps this is overthinking, but I'm honestly worried about this situation and how Covid-19 isn't fully gone...
This is my personal opinion, but is it possible to book a date night for 2 people and maintain a 4-square metre social distance instead of being together?
It's only stressful for us to think that we would have to pay attention to the customers, who are having a good time drinking and enjoying food, yet not allowed to embrace or sit close to each other in general.
Is this the best rule for customers and stores currently? If the government makes such a vague rule, and then something happens, it is the responsibility of the store and the penalty or fine is sent to us. (the stores)
Just take away or delivery service is enough for everyone, you can have a meal in the comfort of your own home, without the need of worrying about social distancing procedures. Personally, I think it is safer.
And as you all now know, the Carrington store is only open for takeaway or delivery service.
I would like to thank you all very much for your support. Thanks to everyone, we have been doing well, even in this situation.
For the past few months after closing the King Street store, I thought about various decisions over and over again while waiting for the end of Covid-19,
but in the end I decided that it is too difficult to run two venues in this situation and I decided to run the Carrington location only.
There is a saying in Japan that goes "二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず",
Meaning "If you try to catch two hares at once, you will catch neither"
Rather than staying in this uncertain condition, I decided to close the King Street store and choose a different path while I still have the time and strength.
I am really sorry for the customers who loved and enjoyed coming to the King Street venue. I'm very thankful to you and it breaks my heart to say this but I feel I must do what I think is right.
In the future, I would like to open a nice restaurant somewhere that everyone will enjoy coming to again.
And to all those people who worked in Kitami King street, Thank you very much, I probably wouldn't have achieved this without you guys.
Best regards,
Nobuyuki Aoki,
Kitami Japanese restaurant
P.S If you or anyone you know is interested in running the location of King Street, please contact me.
