Today marks the first day of really devastating news for the citizens of Coral Springs. No more sushi or fresh dinners can be ordered or placed in the Burlington’s plaza on Sample Road. And although I hate to be the bearer of bad news, I must inform you all that Tubo Thai & Sushi is officially closed and will not be reopening or relocating to a new location nearby.

Many others and I are grieving the loss of such a wonderful restaurant. This place was the spot for basically everything. Need a chill atmosphere? Go to Tobu. Want to go on a not-so-awkward date? Go to Tobu. Long day from shopping? Go to Tobu. Craving the best spicy tuna rolls of your life? Tobu! 

This is not just about the food. Thousands of people loved their food, including the customer service. While this feels like a personal attack on weekly hangouts, it is said that various restaurants are struggling to keep their doors open to the public. According to local reports, with the cost of ingredients going up [inflation] and the need for more staff, the pressure became too much, and the owners decided it was best to end this journey. 

The restaurant industry has suffered major challenges over the past few years. Although many things went back to “normal” after the pandemic in 2020, the cost of living, along with groceries, home goods, hygiene essentials, and even clothing, has skyrocketed. For small, independently run businesses like Tobu, it becomes harder to manage with so much inflation, as opposed to a big chain of restaurants or businesses such as PF Chang’s or McDonald’s, worldwide corporations that are swarming with staff. 

Maria Gonzalez, a sophomore at Coral Glades High School, says, “I used to go there and to the Moore Fire Grill often. I always ordered rainbow dragon rolls because I love salmon. It sucks that both of them closed. Now I have to drive farther away just to get fresh food with reasonable portions.” 

In case you haven’t been there since December, the place is dark with a few of its furniture still in its place. Many of the staff were forced to either find new jobs or master unemployment in a world where it costs $3 for a candy bar. Across various platforms, many guests and staff have given their reactions to the closing. User ‘wllmluvr’ on X says, “This makes me sad :(( But glad I went last year and tried their food.”

So, what should we do now? Are we expected to go to Coral Square Mall for mid-tier sushi and little to no customer service? Or maybe drive through the city on a hunt for the best find? To the owners and staff members at Tobu: sadly, you left, but thank you for the best crab rangoons.