The Jade Palace crew is preparing to celebrate the restaurant’s 25th anniversary. Photo by Maciek Krzysztoforski
By Susan Dickson
Staff Writer
Over the past quarter-century, Jade Palace has developed its standing as a staple in the Carrboro community.
The Chinese restaurant, a favorite among many in this community, will celebrate its 25th anniversary November 9-10.
Jenny Chan and her husband, Francis Chan, opened Jade Palace in 1982.
After moving to Carrboro in 1975, they bought the building at 103 E. Main St. in 1979 and rented the space to an antique shop for several years.
The space was open for a number of months, and without any potential tenants Jenny Chan decided to open a restaurant.
â€I wanted to see what I could do for myself,†she said, adding that the first three years the restaurant was open were very difficult.
With very few customers, Chan couldn’t cover the restaurant’s expenses and tried to sell it in 1985. She felt that the only offer she received was too low, though, and decided to persevere.
Her husband, who is a biomedical engineer at UNC, helped her on nights and weekends, while her two children, who were about 5 or 6 years old at the time, sat at a table coloring until the restaurant closed.
Over the years, Jade Palace slowly developed a loyal following, some of whom still visit the restaurant today. The restaurant has stood the test of time – quite an accomplishment in a town with so many options for those dining out – but not without a few bumps in the road.
Earlier this year, a mural on the side of the restaurant – painted by more than 80 volunteers as a fundraiser for Club Nova – was painted over by a crew of men allegedly hired by a man witnesses identified as Larry Hayes, former owner of Broad Street Coffee.
The Chans had no idea the group was painting over the mural until after the damage was done.
“It was so sad,†Jenny Chan said. “The mural was so beautiful.†She said that the Town of Carrboro is working with the ArtsCenter to come up with a new wall project.
In January 2000, a fire that caused extensive damage to the restaurant left Chan wondering if Jade Palace could reopen for business. The building had had an electrical fire in the past, and Chan was nervous after the second fire.
However: “I got a lot of encouragement,†Chan said, noting that both former Mayor Mike Nelson and Sen. Ellie Kinnaird urged her to reopen the restaurant, which she did in July 2000.
Both Kinnaird and Nelson are regulars at Jade Palace, Chan said.
Other past and present regular customers include Mayor Mark Chilton and his mother, who eat there every week, and Dean Smith and his wife, Linnea.
“People feel welcome. It’s a very friendly atmosphere,†Chan said.
Jade Palace certainly does feel warm and inviting, with several staff members who have been there nearly as long as the restaurant has been open.
Manager Long Chau, known to everyone as Mr. Long, and assistant manager Christine Hurlbert have both been with the restaurant for more than 20 years.
Fanny Chan – Jenny Chan’s sister-in-law – is a longtime server at Jade Palace and a favorite among many repeat customers.
“It’s important to have a good staff,†Chan said, adding that the chef has been there more than 10 years. “We are very lucky to have him.â€
His emphasis on using fresh ingredients is what keeps customers coming back, Chan said.
“I don’t have to tell people [about the restaurant],†she said. “[The customers] spread the word for us.â€
Chinese New Year has become a popular event at Jade Palace, with a traditional dinner and celebration. The restaurant also has hosted Glenwood Elementary School’s Chinese-English dual-language program for their celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Chan said she enjoys keeping the restaurant involved in the community:
“I’m really proud to be a citizen here.†She says she’s enjoyed watching Carrboro change over the years. “The whole town is just so beautiful. I think it’s our duty to keep everything going well.â€