Ming’s Restaurant, which has been open for more than three decades on Provost Street in New Glasgow, has announced they’ll no longer be in business as of May 22.
“We have the utmost respect for our community and are thankful for your ongoing support, kindness and patronage in the past 35+ years. From the bottom of our hearts, we wish you a healthy and prosperous future,” a press release from the restaurant’s management says.
General manager Calvin Yu said his parents, who own the business, are looking to retire while he and his wife Sue Kajic have other plans for the future.
While he said it’s sad because he spent so much in Ming’s when he was growing up, he’s happy for his parents – Simon and Virginia – and is proud of them.
His parents came to Canada from Hong Kong with nothing, he said, and met each other in New Glasgow, with his dad having spent some time in different places across the county before settling in Pictou County in 1970 and his mom coming directly east in 1973.
“They ended up here. They found each other here, which is kinda crazy. They saw the opportunity to build a life here.”
Since the restaurant opened in 1979, it’s gone through two or three expansions as well as a few facelifts and changes to the menu, buffet and hours.
It’s both a happy and sad occasion for Virginia, she said.
“Because we’ve been here for the business for 37 years, but we understand it. We’re getting old,” she said.
Calvin said he views the restaurant as almost a member of the family and has been working there full-time for eight years.
“Other than like a physical person, I can think of nothing else in my life that has shaped my character than this building and what has happened in this building. The majority of my life took place here. I learned from so many people coming in and out of this place,” he said during an interview.
He said he’s sad for their staff; they currently employ 18 people.
“A lot of them have been with us for a long time and I do see them as extended family at this point.”
Sue, who also helps with the restaurant, said they plan to help their staff in whatever way they can.
They want to thank the community for supporting the business for so many years, she said.
“If it wasn’t for them and their acceptance of this culture in this little town, Ming’s wouldn’t be what it is.”
On Twitter: @NGNewsAmanda
