Eric Diec, the owner of Chef Li, a small family-owned Chinese restaurant in West San Jose, is being forced to close after 28 successful years. Despite his willingness to increase rent, Redtree Partners, the plaza management, decided not to renew his lease, likely to make room for franchise restaurants aimed at attracting a younger demographic. Diec, who immigrated to the U.S. at 13, reflects on his deep connection with his loyal customers and the personal loss he feels as he prepares to close the iconic establishment on May 15.
Diec expressed, 'I was so shocked when I got the email. I never thought in my life that they (would) not renew my lease. I love all my customers. I don't want to leave.'
Diec shared the emotional toll of the closure, stating, 'It feels like I'm losing part of myself.' He had hoped to continue running the restaurant for another five years before retirement.
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