Former Matuba restaurant building sold in Bethesda

The former home of Japanese restaurant and sushi bar Matuba has been sold. 4920 Cordell Avenue (the restaurant portion was addressed as 4918 Cordell), a 5250 SF two-story building, sold for $3,040,000. The deal closed on October 5, according to real estate records, and the buyer was Surplus Associates Limited Partnership.

Matuba closes in Bethesda (Photos)

They really mean it this time. Matuba, a popular Japanese restaurant and sushi bar on Cordell Avenue, has permanently closed.

Owner Kunio "Yasu" Yasutake's restaurant became an institution in downtown Bethesda over 37 years of operation in the Woodmont Triangle. He first made history by offering what was, at the time, the only rotary sushi buffet in the Washington, D.C. area. The restaurant would wind up being one of the longest to continuously operate in Bethesda history.

The restaurant has been put on the market for sale twice in the last 18 months. At one point, Yasu "retired" for six months, only to make a triumphant return in September 2015. He says he is retiring now for good, but leaves his loyal customers with a final message: "Arigato!"

Matuba for sale in Bethesda

Matuba, a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar at 4918 Cordell Avenue, is for sale...again. And once again, the real estate listing is touting it as a turnkey sushi bar business opportunity, with all kitchen equipment included.

At the time of the original sale offering, the restaurant's owner was expected to retire after decades of success in Bethesda. But Kunio Yasutake surprised everyone by returning to a revamped Matuba last September, after a 6-month "retirement."

The restaurant temporarily closed for about a week last month. Matuba, a Bethesda fixture for 36 years, is one of the longest-operating restaurants in town.

Matuba temporarily closed in Bethesda

Matuba, the Japanese restaurant at 4918 Cordell Avenue in downtown Bethesda, has temporarily closed for unspecified reasons. The restaurant will reopen next Wednesday, May 11.

Matuba reopens in Bethesda (Photos)

Venerable Bethesda Japanese restaurant and sushi bar Matuba has reopened under its original owner at 4918 Cordell Avenue. The restaurant is split between the traditional dining area, and a new self-service counter, which had a chef behind it on Sunday preparing menu items.

Owner Kunio Yasutake said the restaurant had been run by different owners for the last 6 months, but that he is now back on the premises. Printed carry-out menus were available, and the sushi displays are back in the window to lure in passersby.

Matuba is coming back as...Matuba (Photos)

Those who were concerned about the previously-announced concept change at venerable Japanese restaurant and sushi bar Matuba need not worry. Owner Kunio Yasutake says he is back at the restaurant, and that Matuba will reopen very soon - simply as Matuba, not "Deli Matuba". 

Perhaps to reassure fans of the restaurant passing by on the sidewalk, there is now a photo of Kunio in the window, located at 4918 Cordell Avenue in downtown Bethesda. And, as you can see in the photo below, a new liquor license has been applied for. All of this is good news for a restaurant that has been in Bethesda for 35 years, making it a veritable institution in the Woodmont Triangle.

Stay tuned.

WANT TO BUY A SUSHI PLACE? MATUBA IS FOR SALE IN BETHESDA

There have been rumors floating around for months that Matuba, a sushi bar and Japanese restaurant at 4918 Cordell Avenue, might be for sale. I've now confirmed that the rumors are true. Owner Kunio Yasutake just celebrated his 34th year in downtown Bethesda last month, and it seems he plans to go out on top.

If you've dreamed of owning your own sushi restaurant, this is a turnkey opportunity that will include restaurant equipment, the kitchen, the sushi bars, and upstairs office space, as well as a storage area. There is private parking behind the restaurant for owners/employees.

No asking price is given.

Cordell Avenue has come a long way in just the last few years, and is arguably one of the top dining destinations in the Woodmont Triangle, with a wide variety of cuisines. Alternatively, it would be interesting to see what could be done with a modification or redevelopment of this property.

The restaurant is still operating as of last night, and there is no indication it will close prior to a sale.

CELEBRATE MATUBA OWNER'S 40 YEARS IN AMERICA, 34 YEARS IN BETHESDA WITH SPECIAL IN DECEMBER

Matuba owner Kunio Yasutake is celebrating his 40th year in America, and his restaurant's 34th year in Bethesda, with a dinner special from December 1-15.

Two can dine for $40, with your choice of two items from the following list:

• Gourmet sushi

• Gourmet sashimi

• Pan-fried salmon teriyaki with fried shrimp

• Seafood tempura

All meals will include miso soup and rice.

Matuba's history includes having the first rotary sushi buffet in the Washington Metropolitan area.

Matuba

4918 Cordell Avenue

(301) 652-7449