A Michelin-recognized sushi restaurant near Houston’s Galleria is facing an uncertain future after an SUV crashed through the front of the business.
HOUSTON — A Michelin-recognized sushi restaurant near Houston’s Galleria is facing an uncertain future after an SUV crashed through the front of the business Monday, causing major damage to the dining room and chef’s counter.
Fortunately, no one had major injuries in the crash at Hidden Omakase on West Alabama. Staff said the restaurant was closed at the time, making it the only day of the week customers and employees were not inside.
Surveillance video captured the dramatic moment the crash happened. According to the restaurant, a gray car attempting a left turn made contact with a white SUV at an intersection near the strip center. Seconds later, the SUV barreled through the front of the restaurant.
Chef Marcos Juarez said he believes the driver may have panicked after the collision.
“I am guessing she was stunned and instead of hitting the breaks she hit the gas and went straight in,” Juarez said.
Juarez said staff members are grateful the driver walked away safely, but called the damage devastating for the restaurant and the team behind it.
“Grateful she walked away from this. But this is very devastating for us. This is our home… it hurts,” Juarez said.
The small restaurant employs about 10 people and is centered around an intimate 18-seat chef’s counter where guests watch chefs prepare each course. After the crash, the counter was shattered, chairs were overturned and debris covered the dining room.
Juarez said the staff has struggled to imagine what could have happened had the crash occurred during dinner service.
“Yeah I don’t want to think of something like that as far as being in service. It would have been catastrophic. Devastating maybe lives would have been lost,” he said.
Staff members repeatedly said they were thankful the restaurant was closed when the crash happened.
“Super grateful to God. The only day we are closed is on Mondays,” Juarez said.
Now, along with rebuilding the restaurant, Juarez said the team is worried about its future and whether it can maintain the recognition it worked years to achieve.
For Juarez and his team, the restaurant represents years of sacrifice, long nights and hard work finally paying off.
“I am worried about our team how we will come back from this. Especially since the Michelin guide coming pretty soon… we want to maintain what we have. Especially without having a restaurant who knows now,” Juarez said.
He also notes the restaurant holds a significant place in Houston’s dining scene as the first sushi restaurant in the city ever included on the Michelin Guide.
The restaurant is now waiting on insurance and repair estimates as the team tries to determine whether it will be able to reopen.
“Its going to hurt really really bad for us. We ask for people to support us if we are able to open again. If we open again,” Juarez said.
There is no timeline yet for when the restaurant could reopen.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.