Shibuya Closure a Temporary Loss for Sushi Fans

The temporary closure of Calabasas sushi joint Shibuya is distressing loyal patrons.

A hand-lettered sign posted on the front door says the restaurant, which is located across from the Commons, will be closed beginning Aug. 8 for three to four weeks for remodeling.

"It's gonna break my heart," Calabasas resident Andy Iser said about hiatus.

That was the prevailing sentiment among the standing-room-only crowd Wednesday night. As usual, the tiny room was overflowing just half an hour after opening for dinner.

Hilane Pincus has been a regular customer almost since Shibuya opened in 1996.

"When I saw [the sign] the first time, there were tears in my eyes," said the longtime Calabasas resident, who dines at the Park Granada restaurant at least once a week.

At age 13, Quincy Wise has already been a regular for four or five years.

"It makes me sad," he said about the temporary closure.

After 14 years in business, it was time for the restaurant to get "a facelift and some Botox," owner Mark Shibuya said.

Things are just looking a little run-down, he said.

That hasn't kept customers away nor has it altered the "A" rating given the restaurant by the L.A. County Health Department, but it did bother Shibuya.

"We want to present a clean image," he said, "especially here in Calabasas."

Although both Shibuya and his customers wish the restaurant could expand, a combination of limited parking and the cost of meeting new building and safety codes make that idea unrealistic, he said.

Consequently, there will be no major changes, and the remodel will be primarily cosmetic including fresh paint, new flooring and updated equipment.

Originally Shibuya had hoped to do the work while keeping the restaurant open, but he learned that sticking with that plan could create a host of other problems.

Closing one of the restrooms even for a short time could prompt officials to close down the restaurant.

"This way the contractor can do their work quickly and get the job done," said Shibuya.

The restaurant will serve its last sushi roll for a while Aug. 7.  Once the contractor is finished and the health department has signed off on its required inspection, the restaurant will reopen.