Wan's Chinese Food, a staple of the Barrhaven community for 33 years, has closed its doors for good. The restaurant, known for its traditional Chinese cuisine, served its last meal on June 23, 2026.
Owner cites retirement and changing tastes
Owner Wan Lee announced the closure, citing retirement and shifting customer preferences. “It's time to retire and spend time with family,” Lee said. “The business has changed, and people's tastes have changed.”
The restaurant opened in 1993 and quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Over the years, it built a loyal customer base, many of whom expressed sadness at the news.
Community reaction
Regular customer Sarah Thompson said, “I've been coming here since I was a kid. It's the end of an era.” Another patron, Mark Johnson, added, “Their fried rice was the best in town. I'll miss it.”
The closure leaves a void in Barrhaven's dining scene, which has seen many changes over the past three decades. Wan's was one of the few remaining original restaurants from the area's early development.
Impact on employees and future plans
The restaurant employed 12 staff members, all of whom have been informed of the closure. Lee said he is helping them find new jobs. The building is now for lease, with no word yet on what might replace it.
Lee expressed gratitude to the community: “Thank you to all our customers for 33 wonderful years. We couldn't have done it without you.”
