A message to customers of Wasabi, announcing the eatery’s closure at Figtree Grove due to “unavoidable circumstances”. Photo: Supplied.
Community members have rallied around the owners of a well-loved Figtree eatery following an abrupt notice to close.
Messages of support have poured in for Kate and Sean Huh, owners of Wasabi in Figtree Grove, which has served Japanese and Korean food at the centre for more than 16 years.
The couple said they would be forced to shut after receiving a “sudden and unexpected” notice to vacate from centre management. The notice, delivered on 12 August, required the business to leave by 11 September, with no opportunity to remain.
“I was speechless,” Kate said. “When I came to my senses and asked the centre manager why, he said there was no reason — just that the new landlord was planning to attract more nationwide stores and franchises to the shopping centre.
“I’d love to have another chance. It’s so hard to just get kicked out without receiving any alternative offers.”
Kate said while the impending end of the business came as a shock, perhaps more surprising has been the community’s reaction.
“Sean and I were so worried we couldn’t sleep for a while, but finally, we managed to pull ourselves together and started explaining to our customers that Wasabi would be closing down,” she said.
“The very next day, one of my customers sent me a message informing me that the local community had started a petition.”
The Allow Wasabi Figtree to Remain in Figtree Grove petition has garnered several hundred verified signatures and dozens of comments from customers praising the food and service at Wasabi and lamenting the loss.
“I’ve been eating at Wasabi’s almost every time I come to Figtree Grove for as long as I can remember, and I simply can’t imagine life without it … Thank you for the exquisite food over the years,” one comment read.
“We all love the delicious and fresh alternative to junk food that Wasabi provide. They have fed us so many times! Please don’t let this happen to such wonderful people who have worked so hard running a valued small business,” read another.
“My children have been eating their sushi regularly since I was pregnant with my first baby. They do not know a world without Wasibi sushi. The owners are always kind and they are so hard working, hardly taken any breaks for the last 16 years! It’s a big loss if they go! We will be so devastated!”
Others condemned the move.
“It’s unconscionable conduct to kick them out with no reason and not allow discussion. Do the right thing and let them stay. A business doesn’t exist after 16 years if they are not truly loved,” one comment read.
“Why on earth would Figtree Grove get rid of such a loved part of our community without even giving a reason? Wasabi is a part of Figtree that can’t be replaced. How dense is Figtree Grove to have so many coffee shops but not keep the best sushi shop in the Illawarra? It would be a massive mistake to shut down Wasabi!”
A spokesperson at Figtree Grove confirmed that “after careful review and consideration”, Wasabi’s lease would end on 11 September.
“Tenancy changes, as well as the introduction of new retailers, are a normal part of shopping centre management that enable us to meet the changing needs of our local community,” the spokesperson said.
“Any decision not to renew a lease is rare, therefore we spend a considerable amount of time assessing each factor influencing our decision, it would be inappropriate to discuss specific lease conditions further.”
Kate said as the time to shut drew near, her heart was “heavy with emotion”, but expressed gratitude to her loyal customer base.
She did not rule out the possibility of a comeback in some form.
“I want to repay the love shown to me by the local community,” she said.
“If given the opportunity, I’d love to continue my business there, but if not, I plan to look elsewhere.
“Thanks to my many customers, I feel reassured and grateful that my business has been successful.”
