YoSake, Husk restaurants in downtown Wilmington have new owners

After renovating the historic Roudabush seed store at the corner of Front and Dock streets in downtown Wilmington, the owners of the three levels of restaurants at 31 S. Front St. have sold the building to new owners.

"This building has been our home away from our homes and making the decision to sell was not as easy as one might think," said a note posted to the restaurant's social media. "YoSake was an exciting concept that we felt could be a great addition to some of our unique dining spots here in downtown. It has become exactly what we had hoped it would."

Justin Smith, one of the original partners who opened the restaurants, said the new owners wish to remain anonymous for the time being, but the plan is for YoSake and The Husk to operate as normal. But there is a new plan for the third-floor space.

"We are thrilled for the new owners who could see how special these two places are," the note read. "They have a vision for the third floor, and we are excited for them."

Smith, who is also an actor, has been working in Atlanta but returned to Wilmington briefly to complete the sale. He said more details from the new owners will become available in the coming weeks.

The partners started the renovation process for the Roudabush building in 2004. The YoSake Downtown Sushi Lounge, an Asian fusion restaurant, opened in 2006. The lower floor became The Husk bar in 2011. The third floor has been a restaurant and event space over the years. According to the post, the pandemic has had a lasting impact.

"After much discussion, we came to the decision that it is time to pass the torch," the post said. "Our management team is ready for the next chapter and because of their love for these two places and our community."

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Yosake, Husk restaurants in downtown Wilmington have new owners