Sushi chef Michael Zhou moved to Houston in 1995, working in Japanese restaurants until he opened his first restaurant in Houston’s Memorial area, which he was forced to close four years later as rent costs rose.

Seeking a more affordable market to do business, Zhou eyed Clear Lake and opened Masa Sushi in 2005.

Two decades later, Zhou said he is facing similar challenges he saw with his first restaurant—rent prices rising, food costs increasing and fewer people eating out.

It’s a similar story many in the industry—including in the Pearland and Friendswood area—are seeing. While roughly a dozen businesses in the area have closed dating back to 2024, others remain open but are struggling to make ends meet.

The overview

Amid challenges with inflation, as well as increased rent and lab

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