No more Mr. Rice Guy.
The owner of a Boerum Hill Japanese-food empire abruptly closed two out of its three of his outlets on Tuesday, informing workers of the news via e-mail that afternoon.
Ganso’s Harris Salat told workers at his Atlantic and Third avenue eateries Ganso Yaki and Sushi Ganso that he had closed their place of employment, according to an e–mail obtained by this paper that appears to come from Salat’s address.
“It is with great sadness I must inform you that we have closed Ganso Yaki and Sushi Ganso, effective immediately,” wrote Salat. “The restaurants are not opening today so if you’re scheduled, please do not come to work.”
He offered workers an unspecified amount of severance and help finding a new gig if they want it, but no reason for the closure other than that “the restaurant business in New York is super tough, as you all know.”
Salat’s original eatery, celebrated noodle soup joint Ganso Ramen on Bond Street near Livingston Street, remains open, a worker at the restaurant confirmed.
Ganso Ramen opened to great acclaim in late 2013, and Salat followed up with the larger Yaki — an izakaya serving grilled skewers and soba dishes alongside sake and beer — in March 2015, and then a sushi spot next door in February this year.
Salat did not return a request for comment, and another man inside Ganso Yaki on Friday afternoon said he couldn’t comment, as did workers at the ramen shop.
