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Arigato Japanese Steak House closes restaurants

 
This sign posted outside the Clearwater Arigato Japanese Steak House announces the closure of the restaurant.
This sign posted outside the Clearwater Arigato Japanese Steak House announces the closure of the restaurant.
Published Sept. 18, 2014

Arigato Japanese Steak House, a popular spot for birthday parties, prom dates and special occasions, has closed after more than four decades.

"It is with great sadness that we must tell you that this was our last weekend in business," read signs posted to the doors of the St. Petersburg and Clearwater locations. "We can no longer afford to remain in business."

Founded in 1971 by Dale Del Bello Sr., the restaurant served steak, chicken and seafood dishes cooked tableside by performing chefs who made onion volcanos and flipped eggs into their hats. Every guest came to know the Yummy Yummy and Goody Goody sauces.

A dinner-only place, Arigato had locations at 3600 66th St. N in St. Petersburg and 26508 U.S. 19 N in Clearwater. A Carrollwood location at 14330 N Dale Mabry Highway closed a few months ago and will be replaced by a 4 Rivers Smokehouse, which is under construction.

The company had fallen on tough times as copycat and other Asian restaurants emerged, making the novelty of eating around a grill with strangers less interesting.

In October 2012, Arigato filed for bankruptcy in U.S. District Court in Tampa. In the petition for Chapter 11 reorganization, the company listed assets between $500,000 and $1 million and liabilities between $1 million and $10 million. Between 100 and 199 creditors were estimated.

Its owners, Dale Del Bello Jr. and Danielle Del Bello, who took over the business from their father, couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday. The notes posted at the restaurants described the family as "devastated" by the decision to close.

"We have enjoyed being involved in so many of your families' lives and milestone events.''

Several years ago, the Carrollwood restaurant closed after a major fire but reopened in late 2011 in a larger location nearby with a koi pond and saltwater aquarium. Diners flocked to take advantage of the early-bird specials from 5 to 6 p.m., once a big draw for Arigato.

Staff writers Julie Kliegman, Katherine Snow Smith and John Martin contributed to this report. Contact Susan Thurston at sthurston@tampabay.com or (813) 225-3110. Follow @susan_thurston.