James Chiu, the president and co-founder of Mandarin who transformed a small restaurant in Brampton into Ontario’s favorite all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet chain, has passed away.
Chiu died on Wednesday, just days after celebrating his 78th birthday, following a battle with pulmonary fibrosis, according to his family.
“He lived with positivity and gratitude until his peaceful passing,” the family wrote in an online tribute.
![]()
From left to right: James Chiu stands with Mandarin co-founders K. C. Chang, Diana Chiu and George Chiu. Mandarin’s first location opened in Brampton in 1979. (Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation)
“What began as a means for survival transformed into a lifelong love of hospitality,” his family shared.
In 1979, Chiu moved to Ontario with his wife and daughter. Together with his brother George, sister-in-law Diana and friend K. C. Chang, he took over a small Chinese restaurant called Mandarin in Brampton.
Initially offering à la carte meals along with takeout and delivery options only, its website mentions that by the 1980s it started expanding due to increasing demand and eventually adopted the buffet model.
![]()
Interior of the first Mandarin restaurant in Brampton. (Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation)
The buffet is known for its blue sky murals, panda-themed promotions, and long lines for free meals on Canada Day. Today it operates 29 locations across Ontario and employs over 3,000 staff members.
The chain has also made notable contributions to the community through scholarships for students and various charity initiatives throughout its 40 years of operation thanks to Chiu and the Mandarin team.
“By teaching and leading by example,[Chiu] showed his family the value of hard work, determination and resilience,” said their online tribute.
![]()
The buffet chain has 29 locations across the province. (Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation)
During his career, Chiu received several awards including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Award along with a lifetime achievement award from the City of Brampton.
He is survived by his wife, three children and seven grandchildren as mentioned in the tribute.
Source link
‘A true restaurant icon’
He was a “true restaurant icon,” Mandarin said in a social media post. “James leaves an indelible mark on the hospitality industry,” it said. “His vision for exceptional food and genuine customer service will live on, inspiring generations to come.” Chiu immigrated to Montreal from Taiwan with his parents in 1963, as noted by his family in their tribute. He opened his first restaurant, Sweet `N Sour, after studying business at Concordia University.Chiu’s family remarked that he lived a “full and vibrant life”and will be remembered for his wit, wisdom, and warmth.
“The world has lost a devoted champion of peopleand community ,”the tribute stated.
WATCH | Crowds gather for final meal at midtown Mandarin:Customers bid farewellto midtown Mandarinafter34 yearsin business
Crowds gathered overthe weekendfor one lastmeal atthe Mandarinin Toronto’s Yongeand Eglinton area. CBC’s Gabriela Silva Ponteexplains whythe restaurantis closingafter34yearsin business.Source link
