A beloved Burnaby Taiwanese restaurant that has been serving beef noodles and pork cabbage dumplings to local food lovers for two decades permanently shut its doors last week.
Pearl House at 7625 Edmonds St., decided to close its doors due to a staff shortage resulting from the ongoing pandemic, according to the restaurant’s Facebook post.
Pearl House is also closing down its No. 6 Rd. restaurant in Richmond at the end of the January.
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.
“It’s a devastating loss for people in Burnaby,” read another post.
“Pearl House has been an important part of Taiwanese immigrants’ memories,” said 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 savouring some deep-fried chicken nuggets. We always have a great time there.”
Henry Wu, the owner of Pearl House, told Glacier Media 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.
Burnaby has seen a wave of restaurant closures in the past few years, including Zeus Greek Restaurant and Chez Meme on Hastings in Burnaby Heights, plus the Metrotown-area IHOP. Swiss Chalet was due to close at the end of December, but will stay open at least for another few months. The Study restaurant and pub at SFU is temporarily closed due to a lack of business.
- With reporting by Nono Shen, Richmond News
