GRESHAM, Ore. — Downtown Gresham staple Sunny Han’s Wok and Grill has announced it will close its doors permanently on Saturday, Dec. 23 after 30 years in the restaurant business. The owners, Sunny and Judy Han, said they’re ready for their new life adventure: retirement.
"This is a staple for us,” said long-time customer Brittany Brittain. “It's been a staple in downtown Gresham for the longest time. My kids have been coming here for forever. Their grandparents have been taking them here. My grandma lives right down the street. It's kind of what we do all the time.”
While customers are heartbroken by the news they’re happy for the couple. Many tell KGW they will support Sunny Han’s until they close.
"I [have] got to eat here every day then to make sure I get enough of this,” said long-time customer Marlys Bauer. “I was here Friday, and now, I'm here today again."
The Hans said hundreds of people have poured in since announcing their retirement on social media. They told KGW that the last four days since their announcement have been overwhelmingly special.
"We obviously wish them well, but we're going to be sad that we don't get to eat here anymore,” said another long-time customer Kelsey Betsill. “[They have] very good food."
Though it's a difficult decision to part ways with a community they now call family, the owners say it was a necessary one.
"I think the timing is difficult,” said Judy Han. “The restaurant business is tough right now. The economy is difficult. It's the whole package. And I think we were just ready; it’s just the timing."
The couple opened up Sunny Han's in 1993, two years after they got married. While they had their ups and downs, like any business, they're proud of the mark they've left in downtown Gresham.
"It's a humbling experience,” said Judy Han. “We just didn't realize the 30 years [of impact we’ve made] in the community."
Since opening shop, they've served over 2 million food orders, meals that connect families with delicious Chinese food and create lifelong bonds.
"Just simple orange chicken, sticky rice, teriyaki chicken: we can make such a connection,” said Sunny Han. “You know? We've [made] friends! The decision was not easy, but you have to do it. It’s often said you need to bow and get off the stage and let the young generation take on.”
While the goodbyes are hard, customers will have a new restaurant to say hello to in the coming year. The Han's will be selling the building to another family that will serve Cantonese cuisine.
"We are so grateful. It has been an awesome experience. It has been a great ride, and we appreciate everybody who has come in. We just didn't realize how much the impact was,” said Judy Han. “The love that we felt has been overwhelming, like ‘shock and awe,’ as they say. I just would say thank you so much for helping support us along the road; you know it works both ways. And we appreciate so much what the community has given back to us."
Sunny Han’s final day of operation is set for Saturday, Dec. 23.