Umi Star closes; looks for bigger space

Umi Star, the 18-month-old innovative Asian-fusion restaurant on North Campbell Avenue, closed today.

But owner  Jason Anderson says it's not a forever closing. He and his partners are looking for a bigger space and plan reopen Umi Star, although they have no timeline in mind.

The closing comes several months after Anderson invested money to renovate Umi Star,  2502 N. Campbell Ave., and rejigger the menu. Umi Star was closed for two months last summer and reopened Sept. 30.

“It was kind of crappy timing, but also a blessing in disguise," said Anderson. "Yeah it sucks that I just invested all the money into redesigning and rebranding. But ... this needs to be in a bigger space for it to compete and for it to do what it needs to do.”

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Anderson said he is partnering in a new fast-casual concept set to open in the Umi Star space. He wouldn't comment on specifics, but said he hoped to have it open by mid-March.

Meanwhile, Anderson is focusing on his newest venture, Nox, which is set to open Feb. 1 in the old Cafe Jasper space, 6370 N. Campbell Ave.

See the full story in Thursday's Star.