Portage: Joy Fong Restaurant to Close July 15 After 46 Years of Serving the Kalamazoo Area

A Portage Institution Closes Its Doors

*Joy Fong Restaurant at 8136 Portage Road will close permanently on July 15, ending a 46-year* run as one of the Kalamazoo area's most recognizable family-owned Chinese restaurants.

Owners Ted Leung and Nancy Leung announced the closing in a Facebook post shared Monday, June 22. They said the decision comes as they prepare for retirement after decades of running the business.

"As immigrants, we got by with hard work and tenacity," the Leungs wrote in their announcement. "Joy Fong was more than a restaurant to us — it is our home, our livelihood, our legacy and our opportunity to create a life for our three daughters and extended family."

How It Started

Ted's father, Man Yuk Leung, opened Joy Fong in 1980 after immigrating to the United States from China, according to WKFR. The restaurant became a family operation from the start.

Ted and Nancy Leung took over the business after Man Yuk Leung died in the 2000s, according to MLive.

More Than a Takeout Spot

Joy Fong built its reputation on affordable meals for families. Many dishes on the menu cost under $20, and every order comes with a handmade dinner roll, according to MLive reporter Aya Miller.

Popular menu items include Chinese-American staples like orange chicken, General Tso's chicken, and lo mein made with homemade sauces. The restaurant also served recipes the Leungs grew up eating in China, according to MLive.

The restaurant weathered the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping its dining room closed to save money, declining occasional requests from loyal patrons hoping to eat inside one more time, according to MLive.

"For nearly five decades, you welcomed us, supported us and allowed a small family-owned restaurant to become part of your routines," the Leungs wrote. "It has been our pleasure to serve you and we will genuinely miss seeing you on a regular basis."

What Comes Next

Daughter Hillary Leung shared the closing announcement on behalf of her parents in the local Facebook group Kalamazoo Menu, according to WKFR reporter Lauren Gordon.

The Leungs invited customers to stop by or call before July 15 to order a final meal, share a memory, or say hello.

"We hope you'll stop by or give us a call before July 15th to order your favorite meal, share a memory, or simply say hello," the post read. "We'd love the opportunity to thank you one final time."

The restaurant has no announced plans for a replacement business at the Portage Road location.