Sigh. Yet another longtime Vancouver restaurant has just announced its closure, and this one is the oldest one so far.
On September 9, the iconic Flamingo Chinese Restaurant posted on its website and Facebook page that it will be closing its doors for good later this month.
The team wrote, “After more than 50 wonderful years serving the Vancouver community, Flamingo Chinese Restaurant will close its doors for the last time on September 28th. To our loyal customers and the families who have shared countless meals, celebrations, and memories with us, thank you. Your support has meant the world.”
The restaurant has been a Vancouver icon since 1974, when it first opened on Cambie Street by the father and son duo.
Flamingo was the first authentic dim sum restaurant outside of Chinatown, setting a new precedent for Chinese dining in the city.
It grew with the rise of Chinese cuisine in Vancouver and Richmond, offering dim sum and other classic Cantonese dishes.
After more than four decades at its original home, Flamingo relocated to Southeast Marine Drive in 2017, continuing its tradition of serving multiple generations of families.
As the notice mentions, Flamingo’s legacy also lives on through the next generation: Little Bird Dim Sum and Craft Beer.
Joseph, the son of the original founders, and his family opened Little Bird in 2019.
His son Jonathan also played a big role in shaping the concept, which blends traditional Cantonese dim sum with a Western dining experience that includes craft beer and wine.
While the family continues to serve dim sum in new ways through Little Bird, Flamingo’s closure still marks the end of an era for Vancouver.
The reasons for the closure have not been shared, but with its nearly 50-year history, the restaurant’s retirement will be felt deeply by longtime customers.
This announcement adds Flamingo to the growing list of legacy restaurants shutting their doors this year, including Zefferelli’s, Penang Bistro, and Kibune Japanese Restaurant.
The last day of service for Flamingo Chinese Restaurant will be September 28.
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Address: 1652 SE Marine Dr., Vancouver BC