The grill has gone cold at Mizu Steakhouse's Gig Harbor outpost, which has shuttered for good and left an empty storefront in the Peninsula Shopping Center. The closure removes a local option for hibachi tables and sushi and follows a health department action in early May, later confirmed by the restaurant's owner as permanent.
Health Order Closes Doors, Owner Says It Is Permanent
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department shut down the restaurant at 3116 Judson St. on May 4 after the business did not renew its annual food-service permit, TPCHD spokesman Kenny Via told The News Tribune. "When we close an establishment for non-renewal, they have the option to reopen as soon as they purchase a new permit," Via told the paper.
A notice on the door initially described the shutdown as "closed temporarily," but in a May 21 phone call, the owner told The News Tribune that the Gig Harbor location is "closed for good." That confirmation ended any short-term hope that the restaurant might simply flip the lights back on with a new permit.
Renton And Covington Grills Still Open
Diners who want Mizu's chef-led hibachi experience or sushi still have options. The chain's Renton and Covington restaurants remain open, according to Mizu Steakhouse. The company site lists addresses and reservation windows for both locations and continues to accept bookings.
Another Big Gap At Peninsula Shopping Center
A leasing brochure for the Peninsula Shopping Center still lists Mizu among current tenants and advertises several anchor-sized vacancies, with available spaces shown from roughly 5,358 to 12,261 square feet, according to materials from First Western Properties. The brochure also names nearby tenants such as 7 Seas Brewery and Columbia Bank, suggesting the property owner is continuing to market the center for a large retail anchor.
Reopening Possible On Paper, Not In The Plans
Health officials say businesses closed for non-renewal of a permit can reopen once a new permit is purchased, so the Gig Harbor space could technically return to life under new paperwork. The owner, however, told reporters she is not planning to renew. For now, the dark storefront is another vacancy in downtown Gig Harbor and a reminder of turnover at neighborhood shopping centers.
