Longtime Newtown Restaurant Staple Closing Its Doors

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — After more than 30 years in business, a Newtown Township restaurant staple is closing its doors.

Ota-Ya Japanese Restaurant - tucked away on Cambridge Lane behind the 7-Eleven - will be closing its doors at the end of the month when its owners retire.

For more than 30 years, Jeff Wong and Cindy Tam have owned and operated the restaurant, serving countless generations of families over the years, and involving the whole family in its operation.

The couple began delivering the news of the closure to their regulars earlier this month. Since then, news has been spreading throughout the community.

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“There’s been a lot of mixed emotions - some tears, a lot of hugs and some disbelief - people saying, ‘No, this can’t be true,’” said the owners’ son, Jeremy Wong who had been working at the restaurant for as long as he can remember.

The restaurant will operate on its usual schedule through Friday, July 3, its last official day of business.

Ota-Ya Japanese Restaurant at the Corners At Newtown Place has been a Newtown staple for more than 30 years. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Inside Ota-Ya, a table awaits the next arriving guests. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

“With everything changing and the owner looking to redevelop the property, they wanted to go out on their own terms,” said Jeremy of his parents. “It’s a blessing in disguise because it will give them some time off to enjoy life and reconnect with family in Malaysia while not having the stress of the restaurant. And I think our customers understand as much as it hurts.”

Jeremy said the final day is going to be hard for them and for the family, who have watched generations of its customers grow up, get married and grow older. “It’s going to be heartbreaking. But all good things must come to an end.”

At its height, the couple operated restaurants in Newtown, Lambertville, and briefly in New York City and in Warrington.

The couple built a reputation for its food, including its wide variety of freshly made rolls, sushi, tempura, appetizers, salads, fresh fish, and main dishes.

Some of their specialties include spicy tuna pizza - an appetizer made with fried tortilla with avocado and eel sauce - and its Spicy Rock Roll.

More recently, Jeremy said customers have been enjoying New Style Sashimi and its Basil Sandwich, made with lightly fried basil leaves, avocado and homemade basil sauce.

For Jeremy, the closure is bittersweet. While he’s excited for the next chapter, he’s sad to see a part of his life come to an end.

“I work on the front of the house. I’m the one talking to the customers, greeting them and making sure they enjoy their food. It’s been a big part of my life,” said Jeremy.

“We appreciate everyone who has supported us in the past and in the present,” said Jeremy. “I’d like to think we have become a part of their family and their weekly tradition. I know it’s hard to hear the news, but I think my parents and my family have done something good here. We’re grateful that we are part of this community and their lives.”