P.F. Chang’s shuts TanekoP.F. Chang’s shuts Taneko

SCOTTSDALE Ariz. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. has ended its attempt to develop an Asian concept patterned after the neighborhood grills of Japan, closing its lone Taneko Japanese Tavern here.

Spokeswoman Laura Cherry said Chang’s shut the unit to focus on the company’s namesake brand and a fast-casual spin-off, Pei Wei Asian Diner.

The site has been taken over by Fox Restaurant Concepts for conversion to one of its brands, Cherry said. Fox operates such local restaurants as North and Olive & Ivy, as well as the Sauce regional pizza chain.

Taneko was closed about three months after Chang’s disclosed that an attempt to sell a controlling interest in the intended chain prototype had fallen through. The agreement had been struck with Dallas restaurateur Jack Baum, who said at the time that he planned to open other branches. But the transaction was called off for undisclosed reasons.