SAUGUS — The Internet erupted Thursday when news broke that Bobby Wong, owner of Saugus’ historic Kowloon Restaurant, met virtually with the town’s Planning Board to discuss development opportunities for the restaurant’s plot of land along Route 1.
Many worried this signaled the end of Kowloon. However, fans of the popular spot shouldn’t panic just yet.
Responding to online outcry, Wong, 65, said his restaurant has no immediate plans to close and that his appearance in front of the board was simply to discuss future development options.
“I did go in front of the planning board last night to basically see if we could get a blank piece of paper for the land to maybe do something down the road,” he told The Item Friday. “In order to do things, it takes a while.”
He explained that the restaurant industry can be difficult and said the family has not yet decided what it wants to do with the land, but future plans may still include a downsized version of Kowloon.
“We’re not getting younger, and it’s a tough business for any generation,” Wong said. “I’ll tell you right now, I wouldn’t want my kids in the business because it’s so hard.
“My siblings and I, we grew up (at the restaurant) with our parents, whereas the next generation, they helped out, but it’s not their life. They have other interests.”
Kowloon has been a fixture on the North Shore since it first opened its doors in 1950, attracting thousands of customers every year who are fans of the Asian fusion restaurant’s energetic atmosphere and extensive menu.
During Thursday’s meeting, Richard Magnan, an attorney representing Wong, presented a preliminary subdivision plan for Kowloon’s address at 948 Broadway.
Magnan said the plan was created in anticipation of the Wong family potentially redeveloping the property into a commercial or mixed-use development.
“We’re not looking to put people out,” Wong said. “We really care about our family of employees, so if there’s a way that we can keep them still involved, (we’ll do that).”
The planning board voted to continue the Wong family’s application for a preliminary subdivision plan until the board’s next meeting on Jan. 21.
Wong noted that once permitting is complete, the family will have several years to decide what its next steps will be.
“We’re looking at years down the line, not months,” he said, adding that he was touched by the outpouring of community support. “It’s a great feeling because it shows we have a lot of people who are great friends and family and fans of the restaurant.”
