Business & Tech

Sun's Restaurant Closing, Owner Thanks Community

Phillip Sun has no choice as to when his longtime eatery on North Figueroa will close, but he's approaching life after the kitchen with vigor anyway.

Phillip Sun, longtime owner of Sun's Restaurant on North Figueroa Street, can't control when he'll be forced to close down the beloved Highland Park establishment, but he is nevertheless leaving on this own terms.

"Once the escrow closes, I'll start packing my things and go," Sun said on Friday, referring to the impending sale of the 6441 N. Figueroa St. property to a new owner, who plans to evict Sun's and establish a new restaurant in its place. "I think I should go to Disneyland."

In January, the city granted property owner Linda Colburn a commercial zoning variance, which cleared the way for the sale of the longstanding eatery.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

The sale of the restaurant and adjacent bike shop properties is expected to become final on April 12, Sun said. When it does, he'll walk away with fond memories of the community and an eagerness to explore life outside of the kitchen.

"I won't miss the restaurant—it's been 27 years," he said. "I'll miss the people."

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Sun, 48, began working at what was then his mother's restaurant when he was 21 years old. Having spent the majority of his life providing for his family by serving Sun's customers, he said he is now looking forward to taking care of himself.

"I'm almost 50 years old, I need to think about my next 10 years," he said. "I missed a lot of things."

Sun glowed when he mentioned that his future plans included learning French cooking technique.

"I really want that, because I really love baking," he said. "I want to travel a lot, work enough to support my family and invest in myself. I want to learn French cooking."

The Diamond Bar resident said that his mortgage is nearly paid off and that he's saved enough to pay for his two children's college expenses.

"I'll be okay, financially, if I don't spend a lot," he said. "I don't need a new car, I don't need brand new clothes. I don't do those things."

Ultimately, Sun said, he feels like the restaurant's closure comes at the right time for him. Sun's remains beloved by many, and he's still young enough to enjoy post-kitchen life.

"I never want to be in a situation where business was bad so I had to quit. I don't want to end it that way," he said. "Everybody loves us, and everybody is going to miss us. Everybody encourages me."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Highland Park-Mount Washington