Sizzler and others things that disappear

It wasn't my favorite steak place, but now that it's closed down, I'm sorry to see Sizzler go.  They announced bankruptcy last week Wednesday, I think.  Well, it isn't Sizzler closing down, but its locations on O'ahu, all of which had already changed in name from Sizzler to GoKo Steak and Salad Bar.  Sometime back in May this year, GoKo bought the restaurants and renamed them, but from what I hear it was largely a continuance of the establishments.  But  now those are gone.  One of the inevitable things about living abroad is coming home to find things disappearing.  It is of course a sad occurrence, but especially so when they're things that you consciously look forward to seeing again.  You might think about them right after you've booked your flight home, anticipation building as the vacation ahead starts to materialize, as you start to visualize. . .Or perhaps in the middle of a hectic workday, you might long for these creature comforts, buoyed by the assurance that you'll return to them in a matter of months or weeks.  For me, the biggest blow was when all the Borders closed.  (May the Force be with Ala Moana's Barnes & Nobles--please stay with us.)  Sizzler's closing is an end to one of those things that I can't remember ever not being there.

Growing up, I lived near a Sizzler and used to go past it every day on my way to and from school.  I interviewed for a job as a teenager and even had a chance to work there; only, I declined because they said I'd have to wear black slacks and dress shoes every day, and I didn't want to do that.  I had kind of an attitude during my teen years, and it was sometimes unfortunate.  After moving to Tokyo, I had a few Sizzler experiences there--the steaks there are thinner and the salad bars have fewer options, although the produce is quite fresh--which made me appreciate our island versions more.  In recent years, I'd pay a visit to the Pearlridge Sizzler salad bar at least once a trip.  I will miss it.  I also started going to the one on Dillingham every now and then for breakfast.  It seemed like a lot of retirees were regulars who will no doubt feel the absence of the senior specials.

My sympathies to the employees. . .

Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL

url link 
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/22986362/www.hawaiinewsnow.com?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9153374

P.S.  If you're ever in Tokyo, there are Sizzlers in Shinjuku and Odaiba.