Historic Chinese Restaurants Face Closure, Replacements Planned

The Chicago Cafe, California's oldest Chinese restaurant, is up for sale as its third-generation owners, Paul and Nancy Fong, prepare for retirement after a surge in popularity following a research project that highlighted its history dating back to 1910. The couple, overwhelmed by increased business, is selling the restaurant for $50,000 and hopes the new owner will honor its legacy while making necessary renovations. Meanwhile, La Chinita's Restaurant in San Antonio has temporarily closed for renovations, with signs indicating it will reopen soon. In Wheaton, a new Mexican steakhouse called Tequila Limon is set to open in a former sushi restaurant, adding to the local dining scene. Additionally, in Tankerton, an Italian restaurant named Gusto Giusto is being established in a space formerly occupied by the popular Chinese restaurant Yantze, which closed in September 2023 after nearly two decades of operation. These developments reflect a changing landscape in restaurant offerings across various regions.