Dashi Japanese restaurant, a fixture in Menlo Park, California, has closed its doors after 23 years, with its owner attributing the closure to Meta's expanding presence and a stalled redevelopment project. Owner John Bek announced the restaurant served its final customers on Friday.
Bek stated that Meta's acquisition of the Menlo Science and Technology Park, which he claims supplied 90 percent of his customer base, significantly impacted his business. The tech giant's growth in the area led to employees staying on campus for meals, diminishing foot traffic for local eateries.
A pivotal moment for Dashi was the planned "Willow Village" redevelopment project across the street. Initially seen as a potential revival for local businesses, the project faced delays and fluctuating plans before Meta officially put it on hold this year, citing changing economic conditions and business priorities. Bek expressed frustration that the project's eventual halting was not communicated earlier, which he believes could have allowed him to relocate.
"To Facebook, it may be not much, but to me, it’s my livelihood," Bek told SFGATE, detailing the financial strain the business endured. He revealed he used his children's college fund and life savings in an effort to keep the restaurant open.
The final blow came in May when Bek received a notice to terminate his lease from LLBG Properties, a landlord linked to Meta-associated holdings. This notice, he said, marked the end of his efforts to keep the restaurant afloat.
Miguel Sanchez, owner of Mi Taqueria, located adjacent to Dashi, shared a similar experience of declining business and uncertainty regarding Meta-affiliated property development. Sanchez indicated that further lease increases could force his restaurant to close as well.
A spokesperson for Belle Haven Center, the landlord entity managing the property, stated that Dashi received significant financial assistance from the retail center, including reduced rent and flexible lease terms, totaling approximately $170,000. The spokesperson claimed that despite this assistance, Dashi failed to pay rent or meet basic lease obligations for extended periods and that the center could not permanently subsidize its operations.
Bek rebutted these claims, asserting he always paid rent on time or made arrangements with property management for late payments. He also argued that the financial support offered was insufficient to offset the substantial loss in customer sales.
Customers recalled Dashi as more than just a restaurant, describing it as a cherished community space that felt like a second home. Bek, despite the closure, expressed pride in his staff and customers, stating he could not continue to compete with Meta's influence.