Wasabi Sushi Bar and Ginger Grill, a popular restaurant in Whitefish that's been open for over 25 years, announced on social media on Monday morning that they're abruptly closing permanently.

"Due to unfortunate circumstances and a tragedy in our Wasabi family, we are forced to end our engagement with you all," the post from co-owner Paula Greenstein and her staff said. "We are permanently closed as of today. Thank you for your patronage. It has been an honor to be part of this beautiful community."

The restaurant was having a "fire sale" to liquidate all of its inventory.

On Aug. 2, the restaurant announced the death of a longtime employee who had been a longtime sushi chef.

"We lost a beautiful soul today," the post said. "Jules/Juice was a kind, funny, silly, hard working, dependable, caring person who we will miss very much. Sending our condolences to his family."

Together, the two posts have over 1,000 interactions. 

"This is very sad to see a Whitefish staple close their doors, but amidst this tragedy it's important to focus on family and the things that mean the most in life," wrote one commenter.

The restaurant, located in downtown Whitefish, opened in 2000 and Greenstein and her sister purchased the building in 2008.

If you or someone you know are in a mental health crisis, the Montana Crisis Lifeline is free and staffed 24 hours by trained crisis responders who answer every call and text message. Dial 988. Online: https://dphhs.mt.gov/suicideprevention/988.

David Erickson is a reporter for the Missoulian, often writing about business, housing, agriculture and other topics.