By Joe Veyera
A longtime Ballard dining institution has announced they’ll be closing their doors at the end of the month.
Louie’s Cuisine of China (5100 15th Ave NW) will serve their final customers on Sunday, June 29, marking the end of their 37-year tenure in the neighborhood.
A letter to customers on their website said the property has been sold, forcing the restaurant to, “bid an affectionate but reluctant farewell.”
Nothing lasts forever, and, as I like to say, even the finest dinner has to end sometime. Still, I feel a certain sadness and melancholy. I spent more than three decades with the much beloved Rose, as well as George, Art and Steve Louie. We were like family, and you, dear customers, were part of that Louie’s family. We’ve laughed together, cried together. We’ve shared your most treasured moments: birthdays, anniversaries, and wedding celebrations.
According to KIRO-TV’s Casey McNerthney, property records show the building was sold last month for $2.49 million. The limited liability corporation that purchased the property, 5100 15th Ave. N.W. LLC, has West Coast Apartment Advisors LLC as a registered agent.
Despite the restaurant’s closure, the letter also stated a hope to open a new restaurant in a new location.
But this is not the end. I am very hopeful that I will be able to open another restaurant, both to honor Rose and to honor you as well, my faithful customers.
So we may part for now, but understand that goodbyes are not forever. They simply mean I will miss you until we meet again.
To read the full letter, or to sign up for email notification when the owners open a new restaurant, click here.