'This is definitely not easy': Popular north coast takeaway to close as owner considers next chapter

A popular north coast takeaway is to close its doors ‘for the time being’, with owner Tony Chan saying he is taking time to consider what he wants to do in the next chapter of his life.

Peking Garden in Coleriane has been a familiar name in the town for over a decade, building up a loyal customer base and becoming part of the local community.

Announcing the temporary closure on social media, Tony described the post as one of the hardest he has had to write.

“This is one of my hardest Facebook post,” he said. “Peking Garden will closed for the time being until I figure out what I want to do in the latter chapter of my life.”

Tony said the decision had not been an easy one, highlighting the relationships he has built with customers during his time running the takeaway.

“This is definitely not easy you guys as customers, have become friends,” he said.

“We have shared many jokes, multiple secrets kept and countless memories made together over the years.”

His message reflected the close relationship that developed between the business and its customers, with Tony saying Peking Garden had become about more than simply serving food.

He also paid tribute to the support the takeaway had received from the local community over the years.

“I am very much grateful for the loyalty and support over the years and I am extremely honoured you all have make me feel a part of your community and be one of you's,” he posted.

The announcement is likely to come as disappointing news for regular customers, many of whom have visited the takeaway over the years and become familiar with Tony and his team.

However, while the immediate future of Peking Garden is uncertain, Tony has not ruled out a return.

“This might not be a good bye yet,” he said, suggesting the closure could be a pause rather than a permanent farewell.

He ended his message with a simple thank you to the people who have supported the business.

“But til then all I really want to say is.... ‘Thank You’.”

The takeaway will now close while Tony takes some time to consider his options and decide what comes next.

His post prompted an immediate response from customers and friends, with many taking to social media to thank Tony and wish him well for whatever comes next.

One customer said: “So sorry to hear this Tony, we will miss you and the amazing food. I hope whatever the future holds is good for you and your family.”

Another added: “Tony, I know that the next step in life your family, friends and supporters will be behind you 100%.”

Others shared memories of visiting Peking Garden over the years, with one customer saying they had been going to the takeaway since childhood and had become friends with Tony.

Another regular summed up the sentiment among many of those commenting, saying: “Hopefully this isn’t a goodbye yet.”