News this morning is that the Portland branch of the worldwide chain Todai has closed.
The restaurant, on the top floor of the downtown Portland Pioneer Square Mall was known for its huge buffet, which featured all you can eat sushi and rolls, as well as a huge selection of other Asian/Asian-fusion dishes.
Though it is a franchised chain, the restaurant was popular with many people, especially for the free birthday meals. This was such a big part of their business model, they asked everyone if it was their birthday when they came in the door.
Todai opened it’s Portland location in 2000 to long lines; the first time I stopped in for dinner the wait was over an hour. However, the buzz faded over time, the food has gone downhill and the closing was not much of a surprise. Calls to the restaurant have gone unanswered, and the website is gone. A handwritten sign on the door says they are closed.
EV1968 says
Meh… I took my son there for his birthday in September and was very disappointed with the food. It used to be pretty decent for a chain when it first opened… but there was definitely a lack of care in what was being put out this last time. Not surprised.
hsawtelle says
Wow that place was still there? Some cuisines are especially ill-suited to the buffet model . . .
Amie says
Chain restaurant + sushi = well…never ever ever a good combination.
Matt says
Anyone see this one? Onion News broke this story a while ago… http://www.theonion.com/video/taco-bells-new-green-menu-takes-no-ingredients-fro,14348/
nate says
The only reason I will miss this place is its usefulness in readily identifying which of my friends were not to be trusted when it comes to their opinions on food.
pdxyogi says
Nate: that’s why I’d miss Roxy’s and Saburo were they to close!
phil says
Very sad, I loved this restraunt, I can’t believe some people did not like it. But of course I’m the one that put it out of business! AT 6’5 280 solid pounds, I’d walk in an consume mass quantities of crab and only crab!! ummmmmm was it good
Andy says
That place was awesome back in the day. i agree it has declined a bit over time. The seafood island was worth it in itself. Todai in Psquare will be missed.
Beth says
I’m very disappointed it’s closed. We didn’t go often – only for birthdays, but I really enjoyed those occasions.
MarineWTI aka Mandis 😎 says
Never had a bad meal at the OR, CA, or VA To Dai restaurants. 👍
Particularly enjoyed the San Diego To Dai establishment, located under Interstate 8. 👍👍