An iconic upscale restaurant in San Francisco by Omakase Restaurant Group is closing its doors permanently. After two years of service, Prelude will shut down next month due to lack of business. Omakase Restaurant Group plans to open a new restaurant concept in the space later this fall.
Prelude is Set to Close After a Brief Run
Prelude is part of Omakase Restaurant Group (ORG) and is managed by Executive Chef Celtin Hendrickson-Jones. Prelude’s menu draws from Chef Celtin’s Southern family traditions and recipes.
After two years of operation, Omakase Restaurant Group announced Prelude’s closure in a press release. The group shared with WhatNow that Prelude will permanently shut down on September 19, 2026.
The group said that although Prelude had received recognition and built a following, it was ‘not enough’ to sustain the restaurant. The group said slow business made it difficult to sustain the restaurant.
The group also announced plans to open a new concept in the space later this fall. “Omakase Restaurant Group will reopen the space later this fall with a new restaurant concept.” Additional details about the new concept are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The group also confirmed that Chef Celtin will continue to be part of the group and will work alongside ORG Culinary Director Dustin Falcon.
Story Behind the Restaurant
Opened in 2024, Prelude is located inside The Jay, Autograph Collection hotel in San Francisco. The restaurant is well-known for serving Southern-inspired cuisine and has a full-service bar and lounge for a relaxed dining experience.
The restaurant was recognized by the Michelin Guide California in 2025, and the bar was awarded one of “The 9 Best New Bars of 2025” by Bon Appétit.
The ORG was founded by CEO Kash Feng and operates multiple renowned restaurants, including Okane, Niku Steakhouse, The Butcher Shop, and Prelude.
Reflecting on the journey of Prelude, Feng said, “We’re incredibly proud of what Celtin and the entire Prelude team created.”
“Prelude gave Celtin an opportunity to tell a deeply personal story through his extraordinary cooking, and we’re grateful to our guests, our team, and The Jay for supporting the restaurant,” Feng added.
Even though short-lived, Prelude has made a lasting impression on the San Francisco dining scene.
