(KRON) — Oken, an acclaimed Asian fusion restaurant in Oakland, is set to close. The restaurant opened on Claremont Avenue just a year ago.
Chef-owner Albert Ok earned good reviews from publications like The Infatuation and SF Eater, which described Oken as “layering together Korean and Japanese flavors with other Asian influences.”
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Positive reviews, however, don’t pay the bills. Oken cut its lunch service last month, it announced on Instagram. Then on Wednesday, the restaurant abruptly announced it will be closing altogether at the end of May.
“We regret to inform you that May 31st will be our last day of service,” Oken posted on Instagram. However, while some closing restaurants have launched elaborate screeds, citing post-pandemic dining habits, the economy, or crime and street conditions, Oken declined to elaborate on why it was closing.
“The restaurant industry is tough and we are not big on making excuses or elaborate sad stories,” the post continued. “We will take more time to reassess our situation and examine what our options are. Unfortunately as of now we have decided to close.”
“Thank you everyone!” the post concluded.
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