Business

Iconic Dallas Restaurant Bo Bo China Shuts Down Amid Uncertain Future

Updated
Sep 3, 2024 2:31 PM
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DALLAS, Following a closure notice that was posted on its entrance, Bo Bo China, a beloved neighborhood Chinese restaurant in Lake Highlands, has temporarily closed its doors. 

Photo Source: Yelp

For nearly 50 years, the restaurant, established in 1977 by proprietor Ben Phoo Lee, has been a dependable source of Chinese cuisine for generations of families. The establishment, situated on Church Road near the LBJ Freeway, became synonymous with affordable dining and comfort cuisine in the region, with numerous patrons recollecting pleasant experiences.

The restaurant's long-standing connection to the community was reflected upon by Manager Bruce Lee, the son of the founder. He stated, "We have had individuals come in who have been eating here since they were young." 

A couple visited us and reported that they had their first date here. Right now, they are grandparents. This sentiment emphasizes the restaurant's function as a destination for families and companions throughout the years.

The closure has prompted inquiries regarding the destiny of Bo Bo China. Judy Gee, a real estate agent who is acquainted with the property, observed that the structure necessitates renovations, stating, "It is outdated." 

Despite the fact that the restaurant was sold to the Kim family in 2017, the Lee family continues to possess the property. The current lockout is perceived as a temporary halt that allows both families to reevaluate the direction of the establishment. "It is a suitable moment to pause and reevaluate the structure," Gee concluded.

Bo Bo China's loyal customer base and exceptional prices have garnered substantial praise throughout its history. Dotty Griffith, a former restaurant critic, emphasized the restaurant in her reviews during the 1990s and 2000s. She highlighted dishes such as the "agreeably spicy" Mongolian beef, but she found the garlic chicken to be lacking in flavor. 

The restaurant's reputation in the Dallas area has been further solidified by the inclusion of locations in Grapevine and Duncanville that have expanded its reach over the years.

Many patrons are left pondering whether the restaurant that has been a fixture in their lives for an extended period of time will return as the community struggles to cope with the closure. 

The community is optimistic that Bo Bo China will reopen after the necessary renovations, as the Lee family's dedication to the restaurant and its legacy is apparent.

At present, the lockout serves as a reminder of the obstacles encountered by long-standing establishments in a culinary landscape that is constantly changing. 

The future of Bo Bo China is uncertain as the Lee and Kim families assess their options; however, its influence on the Lake Highlands community is undeniable.

 Numerous individuals anticipate the resurgence of the restaurant, which has served as a culinary landmark in the region for nearly five decades

. The Dallas dining community anticipates with enthusiasm the announcement of whether this beloved eatery will reclaim its former splendor or if it will be relegated to the realm of treasured memories.

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