Wing Noodles Closes After Nearly 80 Years, Impacting Chinatown

Montreal’s iconic Wing Noodles will close its doors on November 30, 2025, after nearly eight decades of serving the community. Owner Garnet Lee, who began working there at the age of eight, made the difficult decision due to rising operational costs, aging machinery, and personal family health issues. The closure has sparked concerns among residents and community leaders about the future of the historic building located in the heart of Chinatown.

Lee’s family has deep roots in Canada, arriving in 1880 when his great-great-grandfather helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Lee family established Wing Noodles in 1946 after shifting from an import-export business initiated by his grandfather, Hee Chong Lee, in 1897. Over the decades, the company has been a significant part of the local economy, producing noodles, cookies, and sauces while employing 20 to 25 staff, many of whom have worked there for decades.

Walking through the 200-year-old building, Lee reminisces about the memories created within its walls. “There are lots and lots of memories here,” he shared, as customers lined up to place their final orders. The company’s operations have evolved, incorporating technology that has reduced manual labor yet still maintaining a personal touch with long-term employees.

Challenges in the manufacturing sector have contributed to the decision to close. Lee noted difficulties such as high taxes, limited parking, and frequent road closures due to events at a nearby convention center. The family sold the building to a developer in 2021, which led to community efforts to preserve the site. In 2023, the core of Chinatown, including the Wing Noodles building, was designated a provincial heritage site, followed by municipal recognition in 2024.

Jessica Chen, executive director of the JIA Foundation, emphasized the significance of Wing Noodles to the Chinese community in Montreal. The company has supplied numerous local restaurants and supported community events, providing employment to generations of immigrants. “With Wing Noodles closing, there’s a lot of emotion within the family and long-time employees,” Chen stated.

In response to the closure, Chen’s organization is planning a banquet and fundraiser on December 5 to celebrate Wing Noodles’ legacy and to strategize for the building’s future. The property is currently listed for nearly $5 million, described as having potential for residential conversion.

Lee expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support as the closure approaches. He shared poignant moments, such as a long-time customer who wept upon hearing the news. Many employees are expected to retire soon after the closure, having spent decades contributing to the business.

Reflecting on the impact of Wing Noodles, Lee said, “What was satisfying for us is how we got to see them get married, have children, their children have graduated, their children have children.” As the community braces for the end of an era, the future of the site remains uncertain, but efforts are underway to ensure it continues to serve the spirit of Chinatown.