07/08/2026
Hello,
In my previous post, I shared the first reason that led us to close Awabi—the long-standing sewer issue.
Today, I would like to carefully share the second major reason behind our decision.
Above all, my son went through a very difficult incident at school. During November and December, he experienced a choking incident at school, and several other difficult situations followed afterward.
After that incident, he needed to focus on psychological treatment and counseling. To protect him, I filed a police report, met with the school and educational authorities on multiple occasions, and exchanged numerous emails. It required a tremendous amount of time, energy, and attention.
Even after the incident, my son still had to go to school. Although he tried to carry on as normally as possible, both he and I lived with fear and anxiety each day. As a parent, sending him to school under those circumstances was one of the most difficult experiences I have ever faced.
Even so, we continued opening the restaurant. Throughout November and December, despite the fear and anxiety we carried in our hearts, we greeted every guest with a smile and did our very best to prepare every meal with the same care and sincerity as always.
As many of you may remember, we had already begun preparing to gradually change our operating system and transition toward a catering-focused business. We had started catering on a small scale and were also preparing promotional activities and holiday gift sets as part of that new direction.
However, the long-standing sewer problem and our family's difficult circumstances happened at the same time. Facing both challenges together, we realized that we could no longer continue operating the restaurant normally.
Under these circumstances, on January 3, 2026, we notified our landlord by email of our decision to terminate the lease. We then had only 30 days to completely clear all three floors of the building. Heavy snowfall in January created additional challenges for about a week, and at the same time we had to find a new place to live while completing everything within a very short period. By then, we were completely exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and simply did not have the time or emotional strength to properly say goodbye.
Regardless of the circumstances, I sincerely apologize for disappointing everyone who trusted, supported, and loved Awabi over the years.
Not being able to say goodbye properly remained on my mind for a long time. There were many reasons why I could not speak publicly at the time, and we simply needed time to find the strength to stand again.
During those difficult months, many people stood beside us. To everyone who witnessed what we were going through, helped us, encouraged us, and prayed for us, I offer my heartfelt gratitude. Your kindness lifted us whenever we felt like we were falling, and because of your support, I finally found the strength and courage to write this message today.
I would also like to sincerely thank every member of the Awabi family. Because of each of you, Awabi was able to continue for more than 15 years. We laughed together, cried together, and overcame many difficult times together. You are part of Awabi's history, and Awabi will always remain one of the greatest sources of pride in my life.
For more than 15 years, we prepared every meal with gratitude and did our very best to serve every guest with sincerity. That is why deciding to close Awabi was one of the most difficult decisions we have ever had to make.
This message comes much later than it should have.
I am truly sorry.
