Chan’s Restaurant was opened in 1947 by Mr Chan and sold to Peter Wan in 1970.
Peter’s son Stephen took over in 2000 and continues to run the business until July 23 when the doors will close for the final time.
“This place is like a family,” Stephen told the Recorder.
“It’s a community restaurant – people who came and ate here when it first opened, their children and grandchildren are now eating with us.
“I’ve seen babies grow into adults and have kids of their own – I’ve watched generations grow up.”
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Stephen began working in Chan’s when he was 14 and said it was natural for this to progress into owning the business one day.
However, rising costs and a heavy workload is forcing the business to close.
Stephen said: “I’ve spent my whole life here and it’s not getting any easier with prices going up – oil, food, gas, electrics.
“My profit margins are being squeezed and I think now is the right time to leave it.
“I’ve carried it on for a generation and my kids don’t want to carry it on – I think I’m the last one.
“I’m very sad – this is part of my life.”
Chan’s was originally opened as a cafe with only a few Chinese items on the menu.
Over the following years it developed into a full Chinese restaurant and takeaway.
Since Covid, Stephen has only operated it as a takeaway.
He said regular customers have been upset by the news.
“A lot of our customers come in and they get emotional – it brings them back memories from when they were children,” he said.
“It’s like a way of life for some people.
“We’ve even got customers wanting to take memorabilia.
“I’ve been asked to sign menus, people have asked for some of the green tiles on our wall or photos on our wall – people want something to remember us.”
Stephen confirmed that the shop premises is being rented out to a new business owner but could not reveal any more details.
On June 14, Peter addressed customers via a post from Chan’s Facebook page.
He said: “We want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported us over the years.
“Your loyalty and love for our food have been the driving force behind our passion for cooking and serving.
“We’ve been honoured to see generations of families grow up and bring their children and grandchildren to share in the joy of our food and we feel so lucky to have gotten to know so many amazing people during our time here.
“Thank you for being part of our story.
“We hope we’ve given you some wonderful memories over the years, just as you have given us – memories that we’ll cherish forever.”
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