It’s the end of an era for downtown Chinese food lovers.
Double Dragon Chinese Restaurant at 43 Macdonell St. in Guelph closed its doors for the final time on July 31.
The closing is bittersweet for restaurant owner May Wong, who says that after 13 years she will miss serving her authentic Chinese cuisine.
Popular Double Dragon dishes included fried rice, lo mein, Szechuan beef, curry shrimp and the ever-popular hot buffet.
When calling in their orders, customers looked forward to hearing Wong’s friendly and familiar voice, her welcoming smile for those taking out, and her friendly and generous service throughout the years.
“As we were closing, I received lots of flowers from so many people. I will really miss the community," Wong said.
Wong says she enjoyed being downtown, speaking with customers, and watching the restaurant’s popularity grow with each Double Dragon dish, well-known for its large portions.
“Ever day, I loved hearing that people really enjoyed what we were serving,” Wong said.
Wong ran the restaurant alongside her partner, Danny, and received occasional help from her son over the years.
“Mostly, it was just the two of us. I was serving outside of the kitchen, and Danny was always busy in the kitchen. It was just us, every day,” Wong said.
Wong says, right now, she is unsure about what the future will bring. After tying up some loose ends, she may consider pursuing a new venture part time.
“I will miss my social interactions with customers every day, and serving the community,” Wong said.
“And now my house is full of flowers from people who wanted to say goodbye.”
A new shawarma restaurant will take over the Double Dragon location on Macdonell St. Renovations are in the works and opening is scheduled for Sept.1.
Stay tuned for details.
