A beloved Whitefish establishment, Wasabi Sushi Bar and Ginger Grill, closed permanently on Aug 10.  

“Due to unfortunate circumstances and a tragedy in our Wasabi family, we are forced to end our engagement with you all,” read a Wasabi Facebook post signed by owner Paula Greenstein and her sister, Sharon Katz.   

“We are permanently closed as of today. Thank you for your patronage. It has been an honor to be part of this beautiful community.” 

Greenstein moved to Whitefish in 2007 and, with Katz, bought the restaurant from Scott and Kerry Nagel the following year.  

Showing raw determination and entrepreneurial enthusiasm for a cuisine unfamiliar to Whitefish, the Nagels opened Wasabi at 419 E. Second Street in December 1999.  

With fresh fish on the menu, local artwork on the walls, Whitefish Pottery on the table, a 16-foot custom sushi bar and a cabaret license to boot, Nagel said in 1999 Pilot article, "It's going to be cool."  

And cool it was, as thousands of locals and visitors would attest to over the next 27 years. 

Greenstein did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

“It’s been great, people have been wonderful, the food’s been fabulous,” Greenstein had said in a 2025 Pilot article celebrating 25 years. “It's been a great way to be a part of the community here in Whitefish." 

Greenstein noted that people came to Wasabi for special occasions. The business held regular community nights benefitting local nonprofits. She credited a great staff of 25-30 employees.  

At the time of the 25th anniversary, Wasabi was listed for sale. The establishment was slated for a soft closure at the end of September. 

The closure came early, however, after the death of Julian Arcel. Known as Jules or Juice, the employee of 16 years was described as the light of the restaurant.  

The tragic loss was too great for the employees to return to work, according to coworker Mitch Bouton.  

"Jules was one of those unique people that, his desire was to make people feel special," Bouton said. "Everybody wanted to go to work just to see Jules. There was so much love in that building."  

Editor Kelsey Evans can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.

    Chopsticks labeled by their customer’s names lined the walls of Wasabi Sushi Bar and Ginger Grill. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot FILE).
  

    Nov. 18, 1999: Scott Nagel paints an overhand at 419 E. Second Street Tuesday. He planned to open a restaurant named Wasabi at the location in December. (Chris Tucker/Whitefish Pilot FILE)
  

A memorial for Jules Arcel at Riverside Park. Next to it lies his chef shirt covered with notes of love. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)