New West's Sushi Well to shut down its Uptown location

Uptown New West is losing a sushi restaurant.

Sushi Well announced Tuesday evening on its Instagram account that it will be closing its location at 620 6th St., joining the likes of Waffle House and Redrum Records, which also announced closures at the same building earlier this year.

"We have received notice that our building will be demolished starting January 2023," reads an update on its Instagram story.

The restaurant had its humble beginnings as Okonomi Sushi on the corner of Columbia and 4th streets about 15 years ago and became known for its tasty sushi rolls made from its signature pink rice. It opened a second location in Surrey, though it eventually shut down.

After suddenly shuttering its downtown New West location, it managed to find a new home in Uptown New Westminster.

"Sushi Well is a labour of love between the founders—Ian and Jenny—who observed in the community of sushi lovers the need to enjoy the fresh taste of the fish as well as a touch of vitamin-packed pink rice instead of plain white rice," reads the restaurant's "about" page. 

"We are deeply grateful for your support over the years, and we will truly miss serving you. We hope that you will continue to visit us when we re-open in the near future and keep an eye out for updates on our future plans," the social media statement continues.

"Thank you for your understanding, and please know that we will always cherish the time we spent with you at our restaurant."

There have been longstanding plans in place to redevelop the building at 620 6th St., with notice of development going up in May. A 29-storey mixed-use development with 338 market rental housing units, along with 10,000 square feet of commercial retail, is expected to replace the structure once it's been developed. There will also be a privately owned, publicly accessible plaza at the corner of Seventh Avenue and 6th Street.

The project is being spearheaded by PC Urban Developments, with an estimated completion date of 2026.

Sushi Well's last day open is Saturday, Dec. 31.