Owner Jin Huang said Monday that she plans to retire after running the restaurant for 22 years. She has been notifying customers since at least last week; several having lunch on Monday were visibly saddened by the news. The restaurant has a reputation for serving unassuming, affordable Chinese food.
China Delight will close on July 31 after two decades of business. Photo by Elena Kadvany.
Teresa Sierra, from moved to the Bay Area from Taiwan in 2010, started as a customer and has become friends with Huang, who is also from Taiwan. Sierra now helps out at the restaurant when she's available.
Translating for the owner, Sierra said Huang feels "so sorry" to close the restaurant but also a sense of relief.
"She can take a break now," Sierra said.
Huang was busily taking orders and bringing checks to customers' tables during the lunch rush while her husband cooked in the kitchen.
China Delight will be open normal hours on its final day: for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5-9:30 p.m.
China Delight owner Jin Huang and her husband in the kitchen the day before they plan to close their longtime restaurant. Photo courtesy Steve Pang.
