A beloved Richmond Taiwanese restaurant that has been serving beef noodles and pork cabbage dumplings to local food lovers for the past decade will permanently shut its doors on Jan. 29.
Pearl House on No. 6 Rd. decided to close at the end of January due to a staff shortage resulting from the ongoing pandemic, according to the restaurant’s Facebook post.
“To appreciate everyone’s support for the past several years, Pearl House will offer a 20 per cent discount on everything in the last two weeks.”
Meanwhile, Pearl House’s Burnaby location closed last week.
The sudden closure announcement has prompted many loyal customers to comment on Pearl House’s Facebook: “We hate to see you go and we will miss you,” said one post.
“Pearl House has been an important part of Taiwanese immigrants’ memory,” said Richmondite Grant Hsu.
“Everyone has heard their name. As a first-generation Taiwanese Canadian immigrant, I always hang out with my friends there. We will grab a cup of milk tea while savoring some deep-fried chicken nuggets. We always have a great time there.”
Henry Wu, the owner of Pearl House, told the Richmond News it had been an emotional journey for him over the past few years to meet so many people in town and connect with them through food.
“It’s not an easy decision for us, as well,” said Wu. “We are so grateful for the pleasure of serving the community and meeting so many lovely people.”
Wu added that it has been challenging for all eateries, but his restaurant’s closure actually has nothing to do with financial reasons.
“Considering the recent staff shortage coupled with my personal plan to visit my hometown, Taiwan, this year, it’s simply time to say goodbye,” added Wu.
Wu said he would consider opening a new restaurant after returning from Taiwan.
