Hanami Japanese Izakaya to Open on Cleveland Street as Downtown Transformation Continues

A major new Japanese izakaya concept is coming to the 600 block of Cleveland Street, as restaurateur Sheng Long Yu prepares to open Hanami at 635 Cleveland Street within the redevelopment corridor now actively transforming downtown Clearwater.

Located directly adjacent to the future $50 million EVO Family Entertainment Center, Hanami adds another layer of dining, gathering and street-level activity to the emerging entertainment district taking shape along Cleveland Street.

The restaurant will occupy a prominent location on the 600 block—positioned between the Pinellas Trail and the evolving Cleveland Street district within a corridor now undergoing large-scale restoration and redevelopment.

Hanami is designed as a modern Japanese izakaya—a high-energy social dining concept centered around gathering, shared experience and extended evening activity. Rooted in the Japanese tradition of friends, families and coworkers coming together over food and drinks, the restaurant is intended to contribute to the growing pedestrian energy and street-level activity emerging along Cleveland Street.

The name Hanami references the Japanese tradition of gathering beneath blooming cherry blossoms—a concept that will be reflected throughout the restaurant’s atmosphere and overall experience.

The restaurant will feature sushi, ramen and yakitori within a contemporary street-facing environment designed to create an energetic and immersive dining experience in the heart of downtown Clearwater.

“I’ve been looking for the right location to introduce a concept like Hanami, and what’s happening along Cleveland Street immediately stood out to me,” said Sheng Long Yu. “This district is evolving into something modern, energetic and experience-driven, and Hanami is designed to be part of that momentum. We want this to be a place where people come together, stay awhile and create memorable experiences through incredible food, atmosphere and hospitality.”

Yu has operated multiple restaurant concepts across the United States, including Japanese steakhouses, ramen restaurants and sushi concepts, with more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry.

The redevelopment of 635 Cleveland Street forms part of the coordinated 600 block transformation now advancing through simultaneous construction and restoration along Cleveland Street.

With construction, restoration and new destination operators now advancing simultaneously across multiple blocks, the Cleveland Street district is continuing to transform into a unified downtown destination in real time.