One of the most respected names in San Antonio sushi is closing after 19 years in business. According to a Facebook announcement from chef and owner William "Goro" Pitchford, Godai Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant will shutter on August 31.

"I want to really thank everyone that has supported us for all the years, but it has come time to not say goodbye but see y'all soon again," Pitchford wrote, adding, "This year just took a toll on me mentally and physically."

Although some parts of the announcement were a bit ambiguous, he did call August 31 "the last day of service for dining."

Although Pitchford did not share further reasoning behind the decision, the closure wasn't wholly unexpected. In July, Godai Sushi Inc. filed for Chapter Seven bankruptcy, citing almost $346,000 in debt. Although that corporate entity was liquidated, the namesake restaurant was reincorporated under a separate limited liability company in May. At the time, Pitchford promised to keep the restaurant going.

Since learning the trade under Fujiya Japanese Garden chef Junko-San, Pitchford has been a staple of San Antonio's food scene. His career spans 35 years and includes previous restaurants, Teriyaki & More and Goro's Sushi. Godai Sushi launched in 2005 and has remained on of Alamo City's standard-bearers for Japanese cuisine.

According to Pitchford's statement, he will offer to-go specials in the future and is open to leasing his kitchen and restaurant. It's unclear whether he will reemerge in the scene. Pitchford says he is taking a week off to "clear [his] mind."

Godai's closing comes at a particularly tumultuous time for San Antonio's dining scene. Several iconic restaurants, including Acadiana Cafe, Botika, Fratello's Deli & Market, and Rio Rio Cantina, have shuttered in recent months.