After 41 years, Center City's longest-operating Japanese restaurant has closed. Shiroi Hana, a beloved establishment, served its last meal in January, marking the end of an era. The restaurant's closure is attributed to shifting trends in the dining industry, with a move towards chef-owned omakase restaurants making it challenging for non-chef operators to sustain the business. The Moons, who took over in 1998, expressed sadness over the closure, highlighting the impact of their head chef's departure on the restaurant's fortunes. Longtime manager Michiko Kadekaru, who started in 1990 and became the heart and soul of the restaurant, is also retiring, adding to the emotional farewell. The restaurant's history dates back to 1984 when it opened as part of a nationwide group of restaurants owned by Sun Myung Moon and the Unification Church. It gained recognition for its sushi and was even visited by Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall in 1989. The Moons' decision to close Shiroi Hana is a testament to the challenges faced by traditional Japanese restaurants in a rapidly evolving culinary landscape.
