Sam Wo Restaurant May Get Second Chance
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) - A landmark restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown was slated to serve up its final meals Friday, but it may get a second chance.
Sam Wo on Washington Street in Chinatown has been open for 106 years. Long lines formed in front of the restaurant Thursday night as news spread of its closure. The restaurant's operators have said they can't afford the upgrades needed to pass certain city fire and health codes.
The restaurant gained fame as the home of Edsel Ford Fong, who was known as the "world's rudest waiter." The restaurant has been featured in numerous San Francisco guidebooks, and has hosted China's president, David Letterman and a host of other celebrities.
On Friday, San Francisco health inspectors returned to the restaurant for another look. They asked for the restaurant to close after Friday night's service, but only for three days.
A meeting is scheduled on Tuesday with Sam Wo's owners to see if they can make a case for keeping the restaurant open. Inspectors from the San Francisco Fire Department are also planning to attend.
There are no plans to reopen in a different location.
KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:
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