Fortune Palace owners may reopen smaller restaurant

I heard from several readers about the closing of Fortune Palace, a much-loved Chinese restaurant on Raleigh's Brentwood Road.

I contacted Lisa Chang, president of the Triangle Area Chinese American Society. As it happens, Chang's godsister, Bobo Liew, owned the restaurant with her husband, sister and brother-in-law. The men were the chefs and the women worked the front of the house.

Chang explained the couples who both have young children struggled to run such a large restaurant with seating for more than 200 people and take care of their families. (It was likely the only Chinese restaurant in the area that had the capacity for large events, including wedding receptions.) And so when someone offered to buy the restaurant, they accepted, Chang said. The restaurant closed abruptly in May.

"You have to try to do what's best for your kids," Chang explained.

Chang did note that the couples are considering opening another smaller restaurant.

We'll keep readers posted if that happens.