Tokyo Cafe reopens in Fort Worth

Back in June 2014, we reported on the temporary closure of Tokyo Cafe, a long-running Japanese restaurant in west Fort Worth, due to a fire.

Repairs were expected to take three to five months, but to twist the title of an old song, it can be a long way to temporary.

More than two years later and after a makeover, Tokyo Cafe announced a soft opening during the weekend on its Facebook page. The restaurant is now officially open again, on a Monday-Saturday schedule.

Star-Telegram/DFW.com contributor Celestina Blok reported in her September restaurant-news roundup that the Tokyo Cafe fire, which was caused by an overnight electrical malfunction, occurred as husband-and-wife co-owners Mary Kha-Ho and Jarry Ho were preparing to open Cannon Chinese Kitchen in south Fort Worth. They wound up having to rebuild Tokyo Cafe from the ground up. (The couple also co-owns Shinjuku Station on Magnolia Avenue.)

“Customers will find a brighter, modern farmhouse look with an intimate sushi bar and slightly larger dining area, along with longtime menu favorites like beef and chicken bowls, ramen and sushi rolls,” Blok wrote. “The restaurant is also adding a full bar, and cocktails will be simple yet classic to start.”

The restaurant’s Facebook page has steadily provided updates on its decor features: a miniature Japaense garden, ornate paper lanterns, handmade bowls from Joyterra and a new gallery wall.

Chef Kevin Martinez, who was also posting updates, returns. He has remained involved with the restaurant during its closure, but added additional projects such as his Yatai Food Kart and a stint working at La Perla Negra in downtown Fort Worth.

Jarry Ho’s parents opened Tokyo Cafe in 1997 (Jarry took over in 2002, and Mary joined the business in 2006). The building was built in 1971 and is easily recognized as a former Pizza Hut.

This story was originally published October 24, 2016 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Tokyo Cafe reopens in Fort Worth."