Columbus-based onigiri brand announces closure

It’s time to say goodbye to the “meanest” onigiri in town. Meanie Konbini, the locally-owned onigiri brand that was co-founded by Jen Tsao of Fukuryu Ramen, has announced their closure.

The brand first launched in October 2023 and quickly rose to popularity. Meanie Konbini, named because Jen and her co-founder Yen’s children jokingly call them “mean moms,” offered a variety of handmade onigiri flavors for online ordering and local markets. On their Instagram, the brand posted:

“After much reflection and with a heavy heart, we are announcing the closure of our onigiri business.

This journey has been incredibly meaningful–from the first rice ball we shaped to the countless conversations shared over each bite. What began as a simple idea turned into something far more special, thanks to your support, smiles, and love for our food.”

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The same post mentioned their final day of service will be May 23rd, 2025. Meanie Konbini has historically been available at Littleton’s Market, Sunrise Asian Market, Lucky’s Market, and for pickup at the downtown Fukuryu location. For those who want to grab some onigiri before they wrap up operations, online ordering is still available at the time of this article publication.

Instagram comments were filled with sad but supportive customers who hope that Meanie Konbini will come back again in the future. The account replied to one such comment with “maybe we can see our stuff on the shelves again.” Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the company will return someday, and pick up their onigiri while you still can!

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