COURTESY PHOTO
JINYA Ramen Bar, on the ground floor of the 36-story residential tower Waiea in Kakaako, is closing its doors on Feb. 9.
The JINYA Ramen Bar at Ward Village in Honolulu will close its doors permanently in February after about three and a half years in business, affecting 86 employees.
Owner JINYA Hawaii Inc. notified the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations of the impending closure a few weeks ago.
A company spokesperson said the closure includes the restaurant and its three concepts — the Ramen Bar, along with Robata JINYA, and the LBD Japanese Bar & Lounge — at the same location. She cited economic challenges, including lack of sales and the rising cost of doing business as reasons for the closure.
The closure date is Feb. 9, which will result in the elimination of all 86 jobs.
JINYA Ramen Bar opened in August 2022 in the former Nobu space at 1118 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 100, on the ground floor of Waiea, a 36-story residential tower. It has been known for its noodles made from scratch and slow-simmered broths. Robata JINYA serves charcoal-grilled meats and other signature dishes, and the LBD Japanese Bar & Lounge offers specialty cocktails.