In a bittersweet end to a five-decade legacy, Surrey’s iconic Golden Lion Restaurant will serve its final meals this weekend, marking the conclusion of one of the region’s longest-running family dining establishments. The restaurant, a fixture in the Whalley neighborhood since 1974, has announced its permanent closure after serving generations of loyal customers.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s time,” said Michael Chang, whose family has owned and operated the Golden Lion since its inception. “We’ve been blessed to be part of so many family celebrations, business meetings, and everyday meals for the Surrey community. That’s something we’ll carry with us forever.”
The Golden Lion has been more than just a restaurant—it evolved into a community landmark where countless birthdays, anniversaries, and family gatherings have taken place over its 50-year history. Its familiar red and gold decor and signature Cantonese dishes became staples for local residents and visitors alike.
The Chang family cites multiple factors behind the difficult decision, including rising operational costs, changing demographics in the rapidly developing neighborhood, and the lingering effects of the pandemic that dramatically altered dining patterns. The property itself has also become increasingly valuable as Surrey’s city center undergoes significant redevelopment.
“The restaurant industry has transformed completely,” explained Diana Chang, who took over management from her parents in the early 2000s. “When my parents started, this area was completely different. Surrey has grown up around us, and while that’s brought wonderful changes, it’s also created new challenges for traditional family businesses like ours.”
Long-time patrons have been flocking to the restaurant since the closure announcement, hoping to enjoy their favorite dishes one last time. The restaurant’s sweet and sour pork, honey garlic spareribs, and house special chow mein have remained virtually unchanged since the 1970s, creating a powerful nostalgic connection for many customers.
“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid in the 80s,” said James Wilson, a lifelong Surrey resident waiting in line Thursday evening. “My parents brought me here, I brought my kids here, and now we’re all here together for one last meal. It feels like losing a piece of Surrey’s history.”
The Golden Lion’s closure reflects broader economic trends affecting many long-standing family restaurants across the region. Rising food costs, labor shortages, and changing consumer preferences have created unprecedented pressures on traditional dining establishments, particularly those operating in rapidly developing urban areas.
City councillor Linda Wei acknowledged the restaurant’s significance to Surrey’s cultural fabric: “Places like the Golden Lion aren’t just businesses—they’re community institutions that have helped shape our city’s identity. Their contribution to Surrey’s development and cultural diversity deserves recognition.”
The Chang family has expressed profound gratitude to their loyal customers and dedicated staff, some of whom have worked at the restaurant for decades. While the restaurant’s closing marks the end of an era, the family hopes their legacy of bringing people together through food will be remembered as part of Surrey’s cultural heritage.
As we witness the disappearance of these long-standing community landmarks across our rapidly changing urban landscapes, what responsibility do we have to preserve the cultural institutions that have shaped our cities’ identities for generations?
