After more than 30 years of sushi, community, and family, Ota-Ya Japanese Restaurant is preparing to serve its last meal, writes Jeff Werner for Patch.

The beloved Newtown institution, located behind the 7-Eleven on Cambridge Lane, will close its doors for good on Friday, July 3, ending a three-decade run that made it a cornerstone of Bucks County dining.

Owners Jeff Wong and Cindy Tam, who built the restaurant from the ground up, are stepping away on their own terms as they head into retirement.

Since the Wongs announced the closure earlier this month, loyal customers have offered messages, memories, and a few tearful farewells. For many Bucks County families, Ota-Ya wasn’t just a dinner spot; it was the place for birthdays, anniversaries, and ordinary Tuesday nights made special by favorites like the Spicy Rock Roll and spicy tuna pizza.

The family-run operation was always a true family affair, with relatives working alongside Jeff and Cindy to greet guests and keep the kitchen humming. At its height, the Wongs ran locations in Newtown, Lambertville, Warrington, and briefly in New York City.

According to their son Jeremy Wong, the property is slated for redevelopment, a factor that made the decision both easier and bittersweet.

“With everything changing and the owner looking to redevelop the property, they wanted to go out on their own terms,” Jeremy said. “It’s a blessing in disguise because it will give them some time off to enjoy life and reconnect with family in Malaysia while not having the stress of the restaurant.”

For a restaurant that gave so much to its community over 30 years, the Wongs say the outpouring of gratitude has made it all worthwhile.

Learn more about Ota-Ya Japanese Restaurant and the Newtown restaurant’s upcoming closure in Patch.

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