(Vancouver, BC) July 9, 2012 – Lea and Justin Ault of Vancouver’s Hapa Izakaya restaurant group are pleased to announce the opening of Hapa Izakaya in Toronto. A Fall opening is targeted for Toronto’s first Hapa Izakaya, which will be in the heart of Toronto’s “Little Italy”, at 602 College Street.
Voted “Top Five Izakayas In North America” by Bon Appétit Magazine in 2011; topping “Industry and Readers Choice” 2012 awards for best Japanese and best izakaya in the Georgia Straight weekly: and “Best Casual Chain – Silver” by Vancouver Magazine in 2012, Hapa Izakaya is destined to become one of Toronto’s favourite restaurants, offering a winning combination of a sexy room, excellent service, outstanding Japanese tapas, cocktails and sake.
The Aults are extremely delighted to be partnering with longtime Hapa Izakaya Robson Street managers Maaji, Jiena and Mackenzie Isobe (yes, all siblings!). The Isobes have over 20 years of Hapa Izakaya experience between them; outstanding ambassadors to represent Hapa Izakaya in Toronto.
For more information, please visit HapaIzakaya.com or follow @HapaIzakaya on Twitter.
About Hapa Izakaya When Lea and Justin Ault introduced Hapa in 2003 they exploded the izakaya concept in Vancouver. Hapa set the bar high for the host of contenders that followed. In 2010 Hapa was the first izakaya to join the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean WiseTM seafood conservation program and one of only a handful of Japanese restaurant partners in the program to date. Today, Hapa continues to be a standout for its presentation of Japanese food in a city where Asian dining endures stiff competition. It remains the place to go when you’re in the mood for a unique blend of food, fun and culture.