SHANGHAI 

After more than 30 years, the time has come for us to retire and say goodbye to Shanghai Restaurant. Our last day open will be Sunday, October 18.
 

When we first opened our doors in Bristol, we could never have imagined everything this restaurant would become. It was never just a place to serve food. It became a place where families gathered year after year, and where so many of you made us feel like part of this community.

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We will never forget the many moments that made Shanghai special: the familiar faces who came in every week, the parents who brought their children and later came back with grandchildren of their own, the race weekends on State Street, Rhythm & Roots, and Chinese New Year celebrations. We will always remember how so many of you rallied to save the restaurant when our building was going to be torn down to make way for the new public library.

 

Our own children grew up here, from first grade through high school. Some of you may remember hearing them practice the piano or other instruments in the back—even when it wasn’t quite “music to the ears.” Their friends gathered here to hang out, too. Looking back, we are grateful that our children grew up surrounded by so many people who cared about them.

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We were honored when Southern Living named Shanghai one of the friendliest places in the South. What meant the most was that it reflected something we felt every day: so many of you were no longer just customers. You were our friends. We will miss the conversations across the counter, the familiar faces around the tables, and the way you checked in on us like family. We are especially grateful to the friends from the community who stepped in during the busiest seasons to help us keep going.

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We were not always perfect. Sometimes food came out late, sometimes things were forgotten, and sometimes the kitchen was overwhelmed. But through it all, this community showed us patience, kindness, and grace. You supported us not only as a restaurant, but as people.

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The good news is that we aren’t going far. Bristol is still our home, and we look forward to seeing you around town and staying involved in this community. And if you ever find yourself missing our food, just let us know. There may no longer be a table waiting for you at the restaurant, but there will always be a place for you at our dinner table—as family.

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Thank you for supporting Shanghai Restaurant, for watching our family grow, and for giving us more than 30 years of memories. It has been an honor to serve you and to call Bristol home.

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With all our love and gratitude,

Ying and Xian

Shanghai Restaurant

PS: If you are interested in leasing our restaurant space, click here see our property brochure.