‘Wicked Crazy’: Crazy Pepper to become mixed Japanese and Mexican restaurant

“You’re gonna be able to come in and get all your favorite food under one roof,” said Ogawa.

Ogawa, 43, is nephew of the late Butch Ogawa, a prominent Hood River businessman who once owned Kanpai, a sushi bar at the same spot on Fourth near Cascade.

Kanpai first came on the scene in 1988, and expanded to an upstairs location in 1993 when Butch “outgrew” his basement space. Butch Ogawa died in a motor vehicle accident in 1996 and the next year the Kanpai property was sold to a local Mexican restaurant, Chili’s, according to Hood River News archives.

Hood River’s Chili’s was unaffiliated with the national chain, said Tommy Ogawa, and the name became Crazy Pepper for legal reasons. From there, the Mexican restaurant remained on its ground for about 18 years before Tommy set his sights on the property.

“There’s a lot of sentimental value here, being in this building,” said Ogawa.

Ogawa spent summers in his teen years working at his uncle’s businesses in Hood River, which also included Hood River Athletic. He learned the art of sushi from his grandfather on his mother’s side, who was full Japanese, and went on to launch his own sushi and grill business in Ontario during his adult years.

When he heard the spot that once housed Kanpai was available, Ogawa “jumped immediately” and bought the property on Aug. 27.

Originally, he planned to shut down the Mexican restaurant and turn it into Wicked Sushi Burgers and Bowls, but he changed his mind due to Crazy Pepper’s popularity with locals and tourists. It’s currently the only traditional sit-down Mexican restaurant in the downtown area.

“Not a whole lot will change,” said Ogawa of the restaurant’s layout and original menu. Burritos will still be available, but they’ll be build-your-own style drawing from a list of ingredients, instead of the status quo with numerous pre-designed combos. Ogawa hopes to boost the quality of beef as well.

Ogawa said the cooks at Crazy Pepper were experienced when he arrived, and have been quick to pick up techniques of Japanese cuisine.

The restaurant may close for a day or two in the fall while he completes décor changes and paint work, but Ogawa plans for it to otherwise stay open during the transition to Wicked Crazy.

The biggest changes will be the new cuisine options, all phased in over the next month.

Starting next week, rice bowls will star in a second menu, incorporated alongside the existing Crazy Pepper selection. During October, a full Japanese sushi bar will kick in, along with signage to reflect the final transformation to Wicked Crazy. Ogawa plans to roll the sushi himself, a family tradition.

In the future, Ogawa also hopes to add a sports bar element with a large TV in the back section of the building displaying extreme sports.