Johnny Chu Announces Closing Date for Sens Asian Tapas

In February, chef Johnny Chu, whose former restaurants included Lucky Dragon in Tempe and Fate in downtown's Roosevelt Row district, told me that Sens, his chic Asian small-plate restaurant and lounge located on the periphery of downtown's bustling core, has seen a drop in business. Then, earlier this month, Chu,...

By Laura Hahnefeld

April 27, 2012

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In February, chef Johnny Chu, whose former restaurants included Lucky Dragon in Tempe and Fate in downtown's Roosevelt Row district, told me that Sens, his chic Asian small-plate restaurant and lounge located on the periphery of downtown's bustling core, has seen a drop in business.

Then, earlier this month, Chu, who had recently closed his lunch operation at Sens and was staying open only for dinner (nearby neighbor and casual Jamaican restaurant The Breadfruit did the same on January 1), announced he would be moving his restaurant to a vacant storefront at 2807 North Central Avenue (Central Avenue and Thomas) in Central Phoenix. Chu said he would be changing the restaurant's name to Shochu House and opening in June for lunch and dinner service with a similar menu as Sens.

Now, it appears Chu has named a closing date for Sens in a letter to his customers.

In a letter to his customers, Chu writes:

Dear Friends,

I am sad to announce that Sunday May 6th will be Sens last day of business. Due to circumstances, we are not able to stay in our current location.

We are opening in a new location on Central and Thomas in June and it will called SoChu House Neo Asian + Martini Bar.

We are currently putting the final touches for the opening. We will be sure to keep everyone posted for the Grand Opening of SoChu House on Central and Thomas.

This brings me sadness to close Sens because of all of our loyal clients and friends that have supported us through out the years. However I am also very optimistic about the Opening of SoChu House. We will offer some familiar food offerings as well as new items for a fresh new concept.

I will at Sens this weekend and next, so if you are in the area, please stop by and say hi. Thank you for your patronage and support throughout the years...and more to come. I promise that I will continue to open independently owned restaurants and sincerely put all my heart, soul, and effort in making it a truly unique dining experience for everyone! Food is my passion, and I want you share that with me through my vision and concepts. Thank you again for allowing me to share that with you...

I am looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

Sincerely, Johnny Chu and Sens Staff

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