After nearly two decades in business, celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi’s namesake Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion restaurant in UTC at 8670 Genesee Ave. will close Feb. 29, just short of its 20th anniversary. Roy’s downtown San Diego location will remain open inside Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. 

Known for its its Pacific rim cuisine, Roy’s is the creation of James Beard Award-winner and Tokyo-born celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi. He opened the first Roy’s Restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1988. There were once 31 Roy’s throughout the world, but the number has dwindled. 

In 2000, Yamaguchi sold his interest in the mainland U.S. locations of Roy’s to Bloomin’ Brands, parent company behind Outback Steakhouse and other eateries. Yamaguchi retained control and ownership of all Hawaii-based locations. 

In 2015, Bloomin’ Brands sold the mainland U.S. Roy’s operations to Texas-based United Ohana for $10 million citing lack of strategic focus for development as a reason.

Roy’s La Jolla opened in April 2001. 

For more information visit roysrestaurant.com.