A popular Taiwanese restaurant has closed its location at a Richmond shopping mall after serving the area for more than 15 years. The restaurant, known for offering a mix of Taiwanese snacks, meals, and drinks, made the announcement on August 2.
The owners shared that the decision was not easy. They described the closure as “a little bittersweet.” The reason behind the closure is the end of their current lease.
The Richmond Centre location had been a go-to spot since 2009. It became well known for its tasty dishes like crispy popcorn chicken, warm beef noodle soup, and sweet bubble tea. Many loyal customers came to enjoy these popular items over the years.
The story of the restaurant began much earlier. In 1996, the founder, Jimmy Chen, started the business to share traditional Taiwanese tea made with fresh pearls. The idea was simple: bring a taste of Taiwan to local food lovers. Just one year later, the business grew into a full restaurant and cafe located in Parker Place.
Over time, the restaurant expanded. It moved to Continental Plaza and then opened more locations across different cities. New branches appeared in Surrey, Burnaby, and more parts of Richmond. Each new spot aimed to share the same menu and welcoming atmosphere that helped the first one succeed.
Despite the recent closure, not all locations have shut down. Fans of the restaurant can still visit the Continental Plaza branch, which remains open. There is also another branch located at Club Kitchen in Vancouver. These locations continue to serve the signature items that made the chain a local favorite.
The news of the Richmond Centre branch closing has brought many reactions from longtime customers. For over 15 years, it was a regular stop for families, students, and anyone looking for quick and comforting Taiwanese food. Some shared memories of first dates, post-class snacks, and weekend meals with friends.
Many customers say they will now go to the remaining locations to enjoy the same food and drinks. The team behind the restaurant thanked the Richmond community for its support over the years. They also said they hope to keep serving their loyal customers at their other branches.
The closure is part of a larger trend affecting many food businesses in recent years. Rising costs, shifting leases, and changes in customer behavior have made it hard for some restaurants to stay open in the same places for long. In this case, while the lease ended, the brand continues to thrive elsewhere.
For those who still crave their well-loved Taiwanese meals, the remaining locations are ready to welcome them. The restaurant’s long history and customer loyalty show that while one door closes, others stay open.
