'With heavy hearts, we bid farewell': After 36 years, popular Chinese restaurant closes

After 36 years, a family-owned Chinese restaurant deemed a Jacksonville neighborhood mainstay served its final orders Wednesday of chicken wings, fried rice, egg foo young, egg rolls and other customer favorites.

Lee's Dragon, 880 Lane Ave. S., shut its doors as owners Lily and David Lee prepare to retire. Contributing to the closure, their daughter Louisa Lee told the Times-Union, is that the building has been sold.

It's possible her parents might reopen the restaurant at a new location if an investor is found in the future, Louisa Lee said.

The closing of Lee's Dragon follows a number of other closings already this year, including Woody’s Bar-B-Q in Ponte Vedra Beach after 21 years, the Mr. Potato Spread franchise on Philips Highway, and two Biggie's Pizza locations.

Known for Chinese favorites rooted in classic Cantonese recipes, Lee's Dragon was founded by the late Yook Kut Lee and his wife, Hung Lum Lee. They opened Lee's Dragon in 1987 on Lane Avenue.

In 1993, Lily and David Lee joined the business after emigrating from Hong Kong. In 1994, the Lee family opened a second restaurant on Baymeadows Road but it later closed.

Her parents' decision to close the Lane Avenue restaurant wasn't easy nor made lightly, Louisa Lee said.

"I would say it was a difficult decision because they feel responsible for the employees … and also feel responsible for providing food to all of our loyal patrons," she said.

"They've been pretty sad for the past few days saying goodbye to everybody. And a lot of customers have been shocked because it was short notice for everyone," she said.

Her mom spent the day working at the restaurant's front counter and helping coordinate the non-stop lunch orders from patrons. She greeted customers as family members and even helped console them about the pending closure.

Remember this one? The story of Chopstick Charley's, Jacksonville's oldest Chinese restaurant

In the works: 25 new restaurants are coming to Jacksonville area in 2024. Here's a list

Disbelief at closure

Sherri and Scott Lowther came for a final lunch on Wednesday. The couple has been eating regularly at Lee's Dragon for 32 years — for both lunch and dinner. It's also their children's and grandchildren's favorite restaurant, they said.

"Heartbroken. We're simply heartbroken about the closure … The family are great people. The food is excellent. The value is great," said Sherri Lowther, noting they've been loyal customers since it first opened.

The fact Lee's Dragon is a locally owned and operated family business made it even more special, and the closure more painful, she said.

Now, they don't know where they will go to dine.

"We eat all over Jacksonville, but this is a type of food and service that we don't get anywhere else," Scott Lowther said.

They'll miss the Lee family and the restaurant's warm hospitality the most. And the food — especially the chicken wings, "amazing fried rice" and the lo mein — is "irreplaceable."

"Everything is good here," said Sherri Lowther, noting they hope the Lee family will reopen the restaurant in the future. "We're certainly going to keep our eye on Facebook to see what the next possibilities are," Scott Lowther said.

Some guests Wednesday were unaware of the closing until they read the handmade signs announcing the closure and thanking patrons that were taped to the restaurant's doors and windows.

More than a few then quickly called family, friends and co-workers to let them know — resulting in a busy lunch rush.

The Lees, in announcing the closure, thanked their past and present guests.

"With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to the cherished patrons who have been the heartbeat of our establishment for the past four decades. Your steadfast support and unwavering patronage have filled our restaurant with warmth and joy, and we are profoundly grateful. From the depth of our hearts, we thank you for being an integral part of our journey," the signs read.

Family restaurant tradition ends

Louisa Lee and her brother, Mang, literally grew up in the restaurant. Their parents would pick them up from school and bring them to the restaurant at a young age.

"I would be at the corner table doing homework or coloring. And my brother would be here, too. We would just watch the customers," she said.

An even dozen: A national fast-casual Chinese restaurant is returning to Regency area

At 31, she recently earned her doctorate in physical therapy. The restaurant has been a big part of her and her 37-year-old brother's lives. Both grew up helping in the restaurant.

"It probably hasn't hit me yet because we're just so busy at the moment," she said.

"We just are so appreciative of the support and patronage that customers have shown us. And that they have enjoyed our food for so many years really means a lot to us," she said.

Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.

If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest dining coverage

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Chinese restaurant Lee's Dragon closes after 36 years