Hungry San Diegans have been passing through Pekin Cafe Chop Suey's iconic imperial facade on University Avenue in North Park for almost 90 years, but in 2019 the historic family-run Chinese restaurant will shutter.
Founded by Chinese immigrant Leo Fong in 1931, Chop Suey Peking Restaurant is considered by many as San Diego's oldest operating restaurant, predating other historic San Diego eateries such as The Waterfront Bar (1933), Tobey’s 19th Hole (1934), The Chicken Pie Shop (1938), and Hob Nob Hill (1944). Fong's daughters, Maria & Anna, currently operate the business and many employees have been there for decades, continuing the longstanding tradition of serving free black tea and Cantonese-style dishes from steel carts.
"We wanted to wait till after the holidays to make an official announcement but we plan to close in early spring," said Stephanie Fong, the granddaughter of the original founder. "Everyone is just ready to retire. We talked about it as a family and decided to let it go with the people who made it what it is all these years. While everyone is healthy and happy, we'll let them enjoy their lives and relax. It's bitter sweet for sure."
Pekin Cafe Chop Suey will close for business around early March 2019. Those looking to get a last taste are asked to wait until after Pekin's already-busy holiday season. Chop Suey Peking Restaurant is located at 2877 University Avenue in San Diego's North Park community. For more information, visit chopsueysd.blogspot.com or call 619.295.2610.
