Itacho Sushi Singapore: All Outlets Closed, Company Shut Down

Singapore’s dining scene has seen a notable shift as Itacho Sushi, a Japanese restaurant chain operating in the city-state for over fifteen years, has permanently closed all its outlets. The final four locations – at Ion Orchard, Bugis Junction, The Star Vista, and Novena Square 2 – were listed as permanently closed as of March 15, 2026, marking the conclude of an era for the brand in Singapore. This follows a series of closures over the past year, including those at Tampines Mall and Bedok Mall.

A Gradual Exit and Formal Dissolution

The closure wasn’t a sudden event, but rather a gradual winding down of operations. According to an archived snapshot from November 12, 2025, the now-defunct locations were still listed on the Itacho Sushi website before it went offline. Beyond the physical restaurants, the company has also removed its presence from major social media platforms. Checks on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook on March 15 revealed that the company’s Singapore accounts had been taken down. Even the Itacho Sushi mobile app is no longer available for download on the Google Play Store or App Store.

The situation is further solidified by a notice from the Singapore government’s Bizfile portal. Itacho BM, the entity operating the Itacho Sushi chain in Singapore, is “gazetted to be struck off” the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority’s (ACRA) Register of Companies. This notice was initially published on February 13, signaling the formal dissolution of the business entity. AsiaOne reports that the move indicates a complete cessation of business operations.

From Hong Kong Expansion to Singapore Closure

Itacho Sushi first arrived in Singapore in July 2009 as a subsidiary of the Taste of Japan Group, a Hong Kong-based company founded in 2004. The restaurant positioned itself as a specialist in handmade sushi, but its menu expanded to include a broader range of Japanese cuisine, such as sashimi, hand rolls, rice dishes, and noodle dishes. The chain’s demise in Singapore mirrors a similar fate in its country of origin. The last Itacho Sushi branch in Hong Kong closed in December 2024 following the death of its founder, Ricky Cheng Wai-tao, according to the Stomp.

Impact on the Singapore Restaurant Landscape

While Itacho Sushi wasn’t one of the largest Japanese restaurant groups in Singapore, its presence was felt across several key shopping malls. The closures leave vacancies in these locations, potentially impacting foot traffic and overall mall revenue. CapitaLand Malls, Far East Malls, and The Star Vista have been contacted by The Straits Times for comment regarding the spaces left behind, but have not yet responded publicly.

The restaurant industry in Singapore is highly competitive, with a constant influx of new establishments and evolving consumer preferences. The closure of Itacho Sushi highlights the challenges faced by even established brands in maintaining market share. The pandemic and subsequent economic uncertainties have undoubtedly added to these pressures, impacting operating costs and consumer spending.

The Broader Context of Restaurant Closures

Itacho Sushi’s situation isn’t isolated. The Singaporean restaurant industry has experienced a wave of closures in recent years, driven by factors such as rising rental costs, labor shortages, and increased competition. The Tripadvisor reviews for the ION Orchard location, while averaging 3.6 out of 5 stars, show a decline in customer satisfaction in the months leading up to the closure, potentially indicating a loss of momentum.

The labor market, in particular, presents a significant hurdle. Finding and retaining skilled chefs and service staff remains a challenge for many restaurants, leading to increased wage costs and potential compromises in service quality. The rising cost of imported ingredients, coupled with inflationary pressures, has squeezed profit margins for many food and beverage businesses.

What’s Next for the Former Itacho Sushi Locations?

The immediate future of the spaces previously occupied by Itacho Sushi remains uncertain. Mall operators will likely seek to fill these vacancies with new tenants, potentially diversifying the dining options available to shoppers. The demand for restaurant space in prime locations like Ion Orchard and Bugis Junction remains high, suggesting that the vacancies won’t remain empty for long. However, the current economic climate and competitive landscape may make it more challenging to secure tenants willing to pay premium rental rates.

The dissolution of Itacho BM also raises questions about potential liabilities and outstanding debts. The process of striking off a company from ACRA’s register involves settling all outstanding financial obligations and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The outcome of this process will determine how creditors are treated and whether any assets are recovered.