Chinese barbecue restaurant closes its doors after more than 3 decades serving Calgarians

Something More, a staple in Calgary's Chinatown for decades, served its last meals on Sunday. Tyler Barrow reports.

Something More is no more.

The popular Third Avenue Chinatown restaurant, known for its Chinese barbecue dishes, is shutting its doors after 32 years spent serving Calgarians.

Owner Ben Wong said it’s time to do something else.

“We’re tired, but you know, it’s a happy tired,” said Wong. “We’re happy to be here, you know, and we’re definitely grateful for all the people that’s coming and supporting us in our last moments.”

He said he’s closing up shop because his parents need to retire.

“It’s been a family business,” he said. “Been a long journey, and it’s just a come to a chapter where you know we’re ready to move on to the next chapter.”

As far as low points, Wong had no doubt when that was.

“COVID was certainly a tough time, and that’s certainly what’s one of the down times we have in the business,” he said.

The restaurant was known for its Chinese-style barbecue which was roasted in-house. They also were known for their dim sum and roast pig.

Ben Evans has been a regular at Something More for more than two decades and he popped by Sunday when he discovered it would be the final meal.

“I didn’t realize this is the last day (and that) this location is closing down,” Evans said. “They make the finest product I’ve ever experienced. I go out of my way to come here.

“They know how to produce the duck and the chicken,” he added. “It’s incredible. And I’m going to have to find another better location, which I doubt I will find.”

Patricia Lee has also been coming to the restaurant for more than 20 years.

“I always come down to Chinatown to to walk around and buy something and go to dim sum,” Lee said, “And then I buy groceries to go back home for dinner. You know, the barbecue does taste really good.”

Wong said he will miss the little moments with his family -- as well as the customers.

“On behalf of my family, definitely, we want to thank everyone who has come and supported us and you know, contributed to this community that we are in.”

With files from CTV’s Tyler Barrow