Remembering Samuel Ray
A visionary restaurateur, neighbor, and cherished member of the Sarasota community
It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Samuel Ray, co-owner and visionary behind Tsunami and Hanami.
Sam was a passionate restaurateur, a creative force, and a deeply respected member of the Sarasota community. Since 2016, he has dedicated himself to building Tsunami into a celebrated dining destination alongside his partner, Jeffrey Karasawa. What began as a chance meeting years earlier, at a birthday dinner that turned into a friendship and eventual partnership, grew into something far greater than either could have imagined.
Together, they built Tsunami from the ground up, shaped by long days, relentless standards, and what Sam often described simply as “blood, sweat, and tears.” With the support of the community he came to love, that foundation expanded to Tsunami Lakewood Ranch and, most recently, to Hanami in Downtown Sarasota, his most ambitious and inspired concept to date.
“I am elated with the support our community has shown to us. We immediately fell in love with Sarasota and are thrilled to bring everything we’ve learned to Lakewood Ranch,” Sam once shared, a reflection of both his gratitude and his forward momentum.
Those who worked alongside Sam knew his commitment to detail was unmatched. He approached hospitality as an experience, not just a meal. Every element, from the design of a space to the energy behind the bar, was intentional. In recent weeks, many have shared glimpses of the process behind his work, the long hours, the problem-solving, the pride in getting it right. It was never about cutting corners. It was about creating something lasting.
But Sam’s impact extended far beyond his restaurants.
In Sarasota’s Central Cocoanut neighborhood, he became known for something entirely different, yet equally reflective of who he was. After a nearby incident in 2021, Sam placed a six-foot golden Buddha statue on his front lawn, facing Pioneer Park. He referred to it as “the guardian of the neighborhood,” a symbol meant to bring positivity and a sense of peace to the area.
The statue quickly became a local landmark. Neighbors checked on it after storms, stopped for photos, and came to see it as part of the fabric of the neighborhood. When hurricanes threatened the area, Sam carefully brought the statue inside and restored it himself, returning it to its place, shining once again.
It was a simple gesture, but a meaningful one. A reflection of someone who cared deeply about the spaces he was part of and the people within them.
Sam’s passing follows a recent accident, and while his family awaits further information, we ask that the community honor his memory with compassion and respect during this difficult time.
His legacy will live on through the restaurants he helped build, the teams he mentored, and the standard he set for experiential dining in this community. Co-owners Jeffrey Karasawa and Jason Klamson, alongside their dedicated team, remain committed to continuing Sam’s vision and carrying forward the level of care, creativity, and hospitality he championed.
Sam will be remembered not only for what he created, but for the way he showed up, for his team, for his guests, and for the community he was proud to call home.
