In early 2019 after almost 90 years in business, Pekin Cafe Chop Suey restaurant ended its nearly century-long run on University Avenue in San Diego's North Park, but the historic property is in the process of being revived as Chop Suey Social Club.
Founded by Chinese immigrant Leo Fong in 1931, Chop Suey Peking Restaurant was 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, continued to operate the business until it shuttered in March 2019 so that ownership and longtime staff could retire.
Public records indicate that the 3,400 square-foot North Park space at 2877 University Avenue that long housed Pekin Cafe has been taken over by Chop Suey Social Club LLC, whose members include Ryan Michael Johnson and Tony Anderson. Although information is scarce, it is believed Chop Suey Social Club will maintain the iconic storefront but will be a unique concept not related to Pekin Cafe. Expect an Asian-fusion restaurant, bar and lounge with a modern interior decor. We reached out to owner Ryan Johnson for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publishing.
Chop Suey Social Club is expected to open in the coming months. For more information, follow the concept on Instagram and visit chopsueysocialclub.com.
