Amarillo’s Sakura Is Back, Sort Of, and the Full Story Is Complicated

If you feel like you're having a bit of déjà vu when you are going to eat at a local hibachi steakhouse in Amarillo on Soncy, you're not alone.

Sakura's 26-Year Run Ends on Soncy Road

In July 2024, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse at 4000 S Soncy Rd closed its doors. It was a staple in Amarillo for over 26 years. Many people were saddened that their favorite restaurant had closed.

Tokyo Steakhouse Makes the Move to Soncy

The building sat empty for a while, and then we found out that another popular Japanese steakhouse would be moving into the Sakura building. That was Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse. They were at 5807 SW 45th. The move made sense; it was a standalone building outside of a shopping center.  It had more room, and properly set up for a hibachi atmosphere.

Read More: Sakura Out, Tokyo Steakhouse In: Amarillo’s Dining Update

Then something recently happened, and it's like the two restaurants morphed without warning.

New Facebook Page Hints at the Rebrand

A new Facebook page popped up on May 4, and the profile picture was a photo of the Sakura sign outside the restaurant, with Tokyo inserted under the photo. Then, on May 5, they posted a photo of new specials where the restaurant is shown as Sakura with parentheses stating "formerly Tokyo." It also says the same thing on their online ordering page.

Google still states that it is Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse, but it probably hasn't updated the listing.

The Sakura Name Was Part of the Deal All Along

Now, if we look back on the Facebook page of the realtor who sold the building, it states that, along with the building, they negotiated the sale of all equipment and the Sakura name, too.  So it seems that this was the plan all along.

Read More: Sushi Kingdom Planning a Bell Plaza Opening in Amarillo

All signs point to Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse becoming Sakura after Sakura had become Tokyo. The next time you stop and eat at a hibachi restaurant on Soncy at the corner of Bent Tree, you'll now be eating at Sakura Tokyo Steakhouse.

What to Expect at Sakura Tokyo Steakhouse

What will you get stepping into the restaurant? Will it be the old Sakura you knew and loved, or will it be the Tokyo you enjoyed? Has it morphed into something new with a little bit of both?  You'll just have to go and try the restaurant and see what it's all about.

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