Veteran Leeds Japanese restaurant Fuji Hiro has been given a new lease of life, and will reopen next week following its closure earlier this year after almost three decades.
James Douglas, co-founder of the Red’s True Barbecue chain, stepped in to acquire the lease and renovate the Merrion Centre venue.
He said: “Fuji Hiro has held a special place in the hearts of Leeds locals for decades. I’ve been a fan since it first opened its doors in 1997, so to now take the reins and help write its next chapter is a real honour.
“We didn’t want to lose what made Fuji Hiro special, so we’ve kept as much of the original feel as possible. We’ve taken things right back to where it all started with a stripped-back menu of the core dishes it is famous for, such as ramen, noodles, gyoza and katsu. We are also really pleased to be able to bring back some of the former kitchen team who will be creating the original recipes, sauces, stocks and curry blends that make Fuji Hiro so special.“
He added: “Fuji Hiro was always lauded for being a hidden gem, but restaurants don’t survive without regulars. I am bringing Fuji Hiro back because I loved it enough to want to help give it one more shot. But the truth is, most independents don’t get that second chance. If you want your favourite spots to stick around, don’t just talk about them, go and eat there.”