Owners of Chin’s Café Retire After 33 Years in Business

Owners of Chin’s Café Retire After 33 Years in Business

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Chin’s Café has been a fixture in Vegreville for more than 60 years, and Michael and Lan Chau have been a part of it for nearly 34 years.

The couple decided to retire and recently sold the business, but will continue to live in the community they’ve grown to love with all of their hearts.

The love of the community and their customers became apparent as they shared part of their storied past and how they were welcomed with open arms by the people of Vegreville after arriving here on August 28, 1979.

They were two of thousands of “boat people” who risked their lives, fleeing their homeland and the Communist regime. They left with nothing but the clothes on their backs and their two young children who were two-years-old and 28-days-old at the time.

“The people were so friendly. We were welcomed with open hearts,” said Lan. They remember going to Chin’s Café when they first arrived and talked fondly about the Mazankowski’s.

There were several other families who had a great impact on their lives and always helped them along the way; and for that, they will always feel indebted to them for their unconditional acceptance and willingness to lend a helping hand.

Michael worked at Ezee-On for seven years before striking out on his own. He explains that Lan was working at the restaurant when they decided to purchase the business. Michael said he wanted to be self-employed, and that had been the tradition in hisfamily for generations. He remembers his former boss Mr. Demkiw telling him and Lan to always smile and be welcoming to customers, advice they have always followed.

The couple have worked side by side for 12 to 14 hours a day for over three decades to build a life and fulfill their dreams. “We live here long enough to know everyone,” said Lan with a smile. “The people were so friendly.” As a result they have enjoyed many friendships. “We have lots of great memories,” said Michael.

It’s those memories they cherish the most and will carry with them in their hearts as they enter the next phase of their lives. To everyone, they say, thank you.