Columbia Heights restaurant to close after 50 years

The owners of the Asia Chow Mein Restaurant in Columbia Heights announced on their Facebook page and website that they will be retiring and closing on Christmas Eve after 50 years of serving the community.

The owners said their original plan was for their son to take over the business but, due to the challenges facing the industry, they don’t want to “hand down this hardship to him.”

Winnie and Tim Ng said, in addition to getting older, some of the other reasons for the decision to retire included being short-staffed, high food costs and the difficulty of the last three years.

The pair thanked their customers for their support and kindness over the last five decades saying that they will miss everyone.

The Ngs said they plan on spending more time with their family once they retire.

Customers are reminded to use up any outstanding gift certificates before the restaurant closes on Dec. 24.