LIHIBACHI.com Thank you message_Inatome_Fire
Dear Friends,                                                                                                   November 7, 2010

I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all for your help and support.

As you probably know on Sunday, October 31, 2010 Inatome Japanese Steak House & Seafood caught fire due to an electrical shortage and burnt the building. No one was hurt and the neighbors were unharmed.

My parents established and ran this restaurant for 35 years and we were horrified and distressed while we watched in disbelief how the flames destroyed decades of our hard work and dedication in matter of a few hours.

It took 200 firefighters to contain the fire, many of who have been our regular customers and have even worked at our restaurant in the past. The fire department, policemen, newspaper journalists and entire community came together and I was overwhelmed to see the response and support. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all and especially thank to Valley Stream Fire Chief, Joseph Fernandez, Sr. and each and every firefighter and volunteer for rushing to our rescue and supporting us. 

We have continued to be a success for over 35 years due to support from 2-3 generations of loyal customers that come from several different communities including Valley Stream, Elmont, Malverne, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Lynbrook, Woodmere and beyond. We would not be where we are if it weren’t for their support. Many members of the community have called, emailed and visited us to extend their support and give us the strength to move forward and encourage us to re-build what we have lost. Not only regular customers who come at least once a week for years that miss us, but many people have great memories at our restaurant where they got engaged, had their first date, celebrated their own and kids birthdays, wedding anniversaries. Several college students got employment and jobs while they went to school, our full time trained staff has families to support. Although at first I was unsure, the overwhelming community response has convinced me and I have made a commitment to re-build to establish what was lost so we, the Inatome family can give back more to the community. 

Please do continue to support us with your patronage and we will rebuild, no matter how long it takes. Again, I want to extend my sincere thanks to all involved and look forward to your love and continued support.
Thank You,

Keiji Inatome                
M.D., Inatome Japanese Steak House & Seafood 

email me
March 15, 2011

Dear Friends,

For those of you reaching out to us concerning well being of our immediate families and friends in Japan, I’m glad to let you know all our relatives and friends are fine as most of them are located in Osaka and Tokyo. Devastation was in North East and as you are aware from news it is unthinkable situation. 

I sent an email to Japanese Consulate General NY to find out if they have guideline for contribution to support victims. They have posted a list of organization that we can trust our contributions will be handling in responsible manner. Please visit their web site. I hope you can be a part to help support these NPO organizations as well. 

http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/t/2011/110312.html

Thank you.