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.”
The news came as a shock to Tsunami’s long-time customers who had been visiting the restaurant for years. Patrons expressed their grief at losing an iconic neighborhood staple and are making reservations to have one more nostalgic meal.
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The Journey of 28 Years
Tsunami first opened in 1998, introducing Memphis diners to a Pacific Rim-inspired menu. At a time when seafood-focused restaurants were rare in the area, Tsunami helped shape the neighborhood’s evolving dining scene.
The restaurant specializes in fresh and premium ingredients. Under Smith’s leadership, the menu highlighted bold flavors from Asia, the Caribbean, and the American South.
Besides its popular roasted sea bass, Tsunami became known for tuna, salmon, shrimp, and shellfish, usually topped with house-made sauces, and served with rice and noodles. Small plate and rotating specials also enabled the kitchen to focus on creativity and freshness. Desserts and a curated wine and cocktail program completed the dining experience.
sunami received several awards in the city, and Smith was named Restaurateur of the Year by the Memphis Restaurant Association, demonstrating the restaurant’s long-term presence and impact on the city’s restaurant industry.
The restaurant has a legacy of consistency, creativity, and community support. Its menu, known to feature global-inspired seafood, has a long history of serving the Cooper-Young neighborhood. With the final day approaching, customers are lining up for one last meal.
