Beachwood residents started buzzing when we reported that Hiroshi's Pub served its last dinners Saturday and closed then closed its doors for good.

Rumors have flown about the space's future, and owner Hiroshi Tsuji told Beachwood Patch that some are true.

After a two-year run, Tsuji - who also owns Shuhei on Chagrin Boulevard and is opening a Kent noodles-and-bar spot this summer - said Hiroshi's Pub is closed for good.

Tsuji sold the business to a family restaurant owner who plans to open an Italian restaurant in the space.

"If I'm going to sell it, I don't want it to be to some stranger," said Tsuji. The man he's sold the business to is a part-owner of Michaelangelo's in Little Italy, he added.

"He's known the business for a long time," said Tsuji, who added that he heard good things about the new owner from others.

Tsuji said Hiroshi's Pub taught him a lot, but that it did not turn into what he expected: the bar was very busy, and the dining room was not as popular.

Tsuji also opened Lemon Grass and ran it for 10 years before selling it, and has opened at least half a dozen other restaurants in the area. 

Our Facebook fans and commenters have chimed in about the closing when we first mentioned the rumor last week, including Priscilla Davis Dann and her husband Scott, who were the first to pass on who the new owner would be.

Patch blogger David L. Cunix wrote, "That would be a real shame. The food was great."

"So so sad, one of our favorite places," added Karen Roth Tindel. 

Tsuji was upbeat about the transaction, and added that he is happy he sold it to a family-oriented business and not a large corporation.