What to know
- Toronto restaurateur James Chiu has died at 78 from a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
- Chiu was the CEO and co-founder of the beloved restaurant chain Mandarin.
- Chiu’s family has made a website for him (jameschiu.ca) honouring his legacy as a father, grandfather, and business leader.
James Chiu, the CEO of the iconic Toronto restaurant chain Mandarin, has died at the age of 78.
“It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of James Chiu, Mandarin Restaurant President and Co-Founder, following a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis, Chiu’s family said in a statement posted on jameschiu.ca, a website dedicated to honouring his legacy as a father, grandfather, and business owner.
“He lived with positivity and gratitude until his peaceful passing on April 29. The restaurant industry has lost an icon. The world has lost a devoted champion of people and community.”
Chiu founded the Mandarin Restaurants chain in 1979, when he purchased a small Chinese eatery in Brampton called Mandarin.
Over the last nearly 50 years, Mandarin has expanded to 29 locations in Ontario, with seven still in operation in the GTA in North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Markham, and Vaughan.
In January, the Mandarin at Yonge and Eglinton closed for good after 35 years of serving hungry Torontonians.
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Longtime patrons of Mandarin and colleagues who worked with Chiu are devastated by his death, writing heartfelt messages to his family on his tribute website.
One of his colleagues, Michael He, said Chiu was a guiding light who taught him to be an optimistic and positive person.
“James walked into my life at a time when I needed direction. To me, he was a guide, a light, and a teacher. He was always full of positivity. Being with him, I always felt that life wasn’t that hard. He taught me how to be a more optimistic and positive person. No matter what, James could find a reason to smile, a reason to be grateful, a reason to keep moving forward.”
Another colleague, Laura Morozuk, wrote that Chiu was “a visionary, a steady guide, and a genuinely kind soul.”
“He shaped not only Mandarin, but the lives of all who had the privilege to know him. James, your legacy of integrity, passion for life, and drive to excellence will continue to inspire us every day. You will be deeply missed and always remembered.”
If you would like to leave a message for Chiu’s family, you can send one here.
