Golden Inn Chinese Restaurant has been a Chinatown staple for over four decades.
Loyal customers said goodbye with one last meal.
The line up outside meant it was hard to find a seat inside.
The restaurants were all there for the same thing.
“We’re here to enjoy one last meal with some family and friends,” said one Golden Inn fan. “And we will celebrate the legacy they leave behind in the Chinatown community.”
Some customers have been coming for 20 years That legacy lasted 45 years, until the mid-1970s, when a different Trudeau was prime minister, pants had wider legs, the Bee Gees ruled the pop charts and inflation was alarming. But all good things sometimes come to an end. “We are so sad,” said another diner. “We will mourn.” “We come here most Fridays,” said another. “And it was our social gathering as friends… 20 years.” The experience of another dinner with the Golden Inn lasted their entire lives. “My dad took me here as a kid to see it up close,” they said. “He had a good run.”
THE LEASE IS OVER
The owners announced earlier this month that their lease was up and it was time to retire.
“We’re all hoping something happens to bring it back,” said another.
While some continue to hold out hope, others have accepted the reality that the Golden Inn is closing and have chosen to celebrate by packing the restaurant one last time.
For owner Ivan Huang, the calls came fast and furious.
“Even after 10 (closing), until three, four in the morning, they continue to make reservations.”
Ivan Huang of Golden Inn Some customers have come from Edmonton, while others have traveled from the United States. “They used to live in Calgary,” Huang said. “Now they’re moving (away and) hearing the news (so) they’re all back in Calgary right now.” And while enjoying their favorite dishes, they also shared many memories from the past four and a half decades.
