Arigato Japanese Steak House files for Chapter 11 protection

After 30 years in the Tampa Bay area, Arigato Japanese Steak House Inc. sought bankruptcy protection Wednesday. The company blamed slowed sales and a fire that closed its Tampa location.

"We just need a little bit of time," said Dale Del Bello, president and owner of the company.

Del Bello founded the chain in upstate New York in 1971, and opened his first Florida restaurant in 1978. He sold off the New York restaurants to focus on Florida, opening locations in Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

The Clearwater and St. Petersburg Arigato locations, which employ more than 110 people combined, will remain open as the company tries to restructure its debts under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The company started having cash-flow problems after a December 2006 fire closed its restaurant on N Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

With the closing, the chain lost a third of its income, or about $600,000 a year in profits, Del Bello said. He has been trying to rebuild at a nearby location, but said the insurance company has been slow to pay his claim and still owes him $100,000.

"The insurance company just hasn't been there to help like they're supposed to," he said.

The company listed $760,000 in debts, including $98,000 in overdue taxes. Del Bello said he's confident that he can stabilize the company and weather the gloomy economy once the Tampa location opens and the tourist season begins.

This month he pulled out of a deal to open an aviation-themed restaurant at Albert Whitted Airport, citing the troubled economy and the Tampa Bay Rays' failed downtown stadium plan.

"The strength of the better restaurants will come through, and we've been here for 30 years," he said. "I think we'll be fine. I know we'll be fine."

Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Asjylyn Loder can be reached at aloder@sptimes.com or (813) 225-3117.

Comments on this article

by aily	Oct 2, 2008 10:45 AM
Arigato in St.Pete is one of the best, the servers, bus boys, and managers do a wonderful job. Everyone is smiling laughing enjoying the chefs shows at the end the foil is beyond imaged with dragons, surfers, even the lady liberty.I<3Arigato St.Pete!

by Emily	Oct 1, 2008 2:56 PM
Its probably partially due to neglect on the owners part with upkeep of the restaurant. The St.Petersburg location needs some serious TLC, but the staff is friendlier then the Clearwater location after dining at both locations. And more fun too!

by Old Timer	Sep 30, 2008 11:27 AM
What are the odds that the best japanese steak house could close. When I think about Arigato what comes to mind is Ted, Shu and Judy. They know what it takes to succeed and are always focused on what matters the most GREAT FOOD AND FRIENDLY SERVICE.

by bluedat2	Sep 28, 2008 1:45 PM
Head to St Pete Beach, Dolphin Village, Blue Fugu Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar!! Way better than Arigato!!!

by RJ	Sep 28, 2008 1:42 PM
Obama Yo Mama will wave his magic wand and fix this.

by Con-YEAHH	Sep 28, 2008 1:40 PM
Oh My God! George Bush hates Arigatos!!??

by Dale_Jr	Sep 28, 2008 1:38 PM
I would like to say thank you on behalf of all of us here at Arigato to all the members of this great community who have supported us over the past 30 years. We are working through this and will definitely be here to serve you for the next 30 years.

by The Critic	Sep 28, 2008 1:36 PM
Arigato's has been at best the "Denny's" of Japanese Steakhouses! From dirty carpets, awful service, dirty grills, and questionable food quality. I've been to all local Japanese Steakhouses and have found a well kept secret "Sushi Tsu" a must do!!!

by Yuki	Sep 28, 2008 1:35 PM
This is the same place that was raided by dirty dinning! When the state health dept. comes in to investigate an outbreak in early 07'. Open your eyes people! Time to sell all the homes and jets Dale. :(

by Kay	Sep 28, 2008 1:35 PM
the place is great. I too have nothing but fond memories of homecoming and proms at Arigato's . It has always been clean and entertaining. The service was always awesome. To whoever whines about all the things they find fault with, don't go!

by Mike	Sep 28, 2008 1:33 PM
That food makes me want to take a dump.

by Chef K	Sep 28, 2008 1:30 PM
I would love to see arigatos out!! That place has been ripping people off for years with low quality food and dirty restaurants. Just as another comment said go to SUSHI TSU in Tampa Palms the BEST JAPANESE FOOD YOU WILL FIND!!!! Arigatos is out!!!

by Forrest	Sep 28, 2008 12:41 PM
Even with its issues it is still the best tasting food available at any price to me. Upgrade to filet and oki size it. Extra sauce please.

by Mary	Sep 28, 2008 12:34 PM
As European tourists visiting Clearw. every year we go to Ar. Countryside at least once every time and we love it.True, we don't like the smell, but still... Prices went up, but they went up everywhere this year.We hope Arigato's can survive!

by Re: Kate	Sep 26, 2008 8:57 PM
Kate- The prices have changed. The restaurant whites-out the prices on their taped together menus. (Suddenly the $20.99 is now $25.99) The owners are banking the money as they do not put any money into cleaning or new menus.

by jim	Sep 26, 2008 8:54 PM
"arri-got-to go" gave us diarrhea every time.

by like2eat	Sep 26, 2008 8:48 PM
Forget Arigatos, go to Sushi Tsu in Tampa Palms for some real Japanese Steakhouse Food that is awesome! :) It is the best around. Also, you won't come out of there smelling like grease like Arigatos and you won't slip on a greasy floor.

by Sal	Sep 26, 2008 4:46 PM
I have missed the Tampa location. "Yummy Yummy, Goody Goody", love those sauces!

by Bob	Sep 26, 2008 4:44 PM
Don't worry, W. will bail them out!!!

by BRITT	Sep 26, 2008 2:30 PM
I LOVE ARIGATOS!!! I can't wait until they re-open in TAMPA!!!! Damn INSURANCE COMPANY!

by fred	Sep 26, 2008 1:50 PM
Ahhh...yep...personally I have'nt been able to afford more than a $1.00 McD double cheeseburger since 2001...so whats it matter? MBA BA...likley only to the top 10% ers and even they wont eat here!

by Kate	Sep 26, 2008 1:49 PM
Arigatos WILL survive. The DelBello's can turn lemons into lemonade anyday. If you cant afford it, dont whine about to other people, thats your deal, not ours. The prices havent changed in years and perhaps you should try the early birds, gringo

by Mary	Sep 26, 2008 1:32 PM
Calling all business owners: Having some financial trouble? Who ya gonna call? The Fed. Gov't. of course! They'll bail anyone out - except the little minion taxpayers like all of us that are still lucky enough to have jobs to pay taxes.

by Lori	Sep 26, 2008 12:02 PM
The one on 66th Street in St. Pete was the "birthday restaurant" when we were kids. I hope they can make a go of it. Hey - my birthday's next week!

by Bambi	Sep 26, 2008 12:01 PM
This awful place cost me $54 in 1994. Left money on table along with tip, other party sitting at same table scarfed it up, manager insisted that I pay. I paid double minus tip. $99. Have wished only ill on them since. Feel vindicated. Vile people

by savwa	Sep 26, 2008 12:01 PM
The Chef is Vietnamese? Something like Paddy O'Malley as a bartender in a British Pub.

by Chloe	Sep 26, 2008 12:01 PM
Good riddance.

by betty	Sep 26, 2008 10:45 AM
the St Pete restaurant is dirty and disgusting! Not to mention way overpriced. The chefs nowadays have no personality. You should just go to your local Chinese takeout instead!

by Poor Mgmt	Sep 26, 2008 10:45 AM
Maybe it's their disgusting restaurant or poor management. The place is a rat hole. The service is poor at best. I'll drive 30 minutes to the one in Clearwater for some decent food and a nice clean atmosphere. Screw the St. Pete one. Too many issues.

by r	Sep 26, 2008 10:45 AM
What comes around, goes around!

by Brad	Sep 26, 2008 10:45 AM
I'd hate to see Arigato close. I haven't been in awhile, but I grew up with many memories there. I remember eating at the 66th Street location for special occasions as a kid, and we went there for Prom and Homecoming in High School way back when.

by Bill	Sep 26, 2008 10:45 AM
Local business like this trying hard to make it needs community support. I've never been, but, I'll try it this weekend. Good Luck!

by Brittany	Sep 26, 2008 10:45 AM
In this economy, I cant AFFORD a $75 Dinner for TWO people!And I'm sure there are many that feel the same!

by jaided	Sep 26, 2008 10:45 AM
I love arigatos!!! I hope they bounce back!

by Dawn	Sep 26, 2008 10:45 AM
I love arigatos! Don't leave!!!!!!!!!