After nearly three decades as a staple of West San Jose's culinary scene, Chef Li's beloved Chinese restaurant faces an imminent shutdown. Owner Eric Diec, who thinks of his clientele as more than just customers, but as friends and family, has been unable to renew his lease despite his willingness to increase rent payments. Diec told San Jose Spotlight that the property management company Redtree Partners, in charge for roughly two years, has not explained why it is not renewing the lease. In his view, the move is likely tied to a broader strategy to populate Camden Park Plaza with franchised eateries that appeal to a younger demographic.
Though heartbroken by the decision, Diec recognizes the harsh reality of the situation. With no feasible option to swiftly move and reopen elsewhere, the acclaimed restaurant will be dishing out its final servings on May 15. Overcoming various hurdles through the years, including the pandemic, Diec had hoped to continue serving his community for at least another five years. Redtree Partners has kept tight-lipped on the matter, with a representative stating only that the company can't comment on leases or future tenants, as reported by San Jose Spotlight.
For patrons like Daniel Garcia, who has ritualistically spent his Friday evenings at Chef Li for years, the news is more than just disappointing. Garcia, expressing his disillusionment in a statement obtained by San Jose Spotlight, questions the property manager's ability "to destroy a restaurant that the community loves," labeling the closure as a travesty. Waitress Amy Wang, whose 25-year tenure at Chef Li helped her to master English, mirrors the sentiment of loss. She confessed to NBC Bay Area, "I cried because I will miss everyone."
