Farewell to Jade Palace: A Legacy of Family and Community After serving the Newark community for nearly 54 years, the beloved Jade Palace restaurant has made the difficult decision to close its doors. For generations, Jade Palace has been a meeting place, a source of delicious Chinese cuisine, and a symbol of family dedication. The Lee family, who have been at the heart of the restaurant since its inception, have decided to honor their late father’s dream by moving on from this chapter of their lives. The story of Jade Palace began in 1970 when Edwin Lee stumbled upon the restaurant attached to a bar on Newark Boulevard. The bar owner, eager to bring life back into the establishment, offered Edwin the opportunity to operate the restaurant for a mere $1 rent and a split in utilities. With a determined spirit, Edwin decided to seize the opportunity and open a Chinese restaurant. From that point on, Jade Palace became a family affair. Edwin’s sons, Phil and Jimmy Lee, began working at the restaurant at the tender ages of 10 and 12, respectively. They dedicated their time and energy to the restaurant alongside their father, learning the ropes of the business and becoming an integral part of the Newark community. Tragically, Edwin Lee passed away just over a year ago, leaving a void in the hearts of his family and the loyal patrons of Jade Palace. His dedication to the restaurant was unwavering, even working until close to 90 years old. His sudden passing shook the Lee family to the core, and they made the difficult decision to close Jade Palace’s doors as a way to honor Edwin’s memory. The decision to close was not made lightly. Phil Lee, reflecting on the family’s choice, expressed that it was time to move on and leave the legacy of Jade Palace behind. The outpouring of support from friends and longtime customers since the announcement of the closure has been overwhelming, a testament to the impact Jade Palace has had on the community. Jade Palace holds a special place in the hearts of its patrons. It has been a welcoming and inclusive space, where customers feel like part of a larger family. The restaurant has served as a meeting place, where lifelong friendships have been forged and memories have been made. The sense of community that Jade Palace fostered is a rare and precious quality that will be deeply missed. As Jade Palace prepares to close its doors before the new year, the Lee family reflects on the countless connections they have made throughout the years. They express their gratitude for the support and love they have received from the community, and they will cherish the memories they have created together. The impact of Jade Palace extends far beyond its delicious cuisine