A longtime staple of Memphis’ Cooper-Young dining scene, Tsunami has announced it will close its doors. The owner and executive chef, Ben Smith, shared the news in a social media post. The closure marks the end of one of the area’s most well-known independent restaurants.
Tsunami on Cooper Street to Close After Nearly 30 Years
Tsunami restaurant is known for its eclectic seafood and welcoming atmosphere. It is one of the significant establishments in the Cooper-Young District’s restaurant industry. After serving the community for nearly thirty years, Smith confirmed the restaurant’s final day will be Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In the announcement video, Smith cited financial difficulties, including rising operational costs and declining business in recent years, that made it challenging to continue operating. He added that the restaurant industry nationwide has faced significant financial pressure in recent years.
Smith said in the post, “While there were a 1,000 small reasons behind this decision, the overriding reason was just that I simply can’t afford to do this anymore.”…