After almost two decades of serving the community with one of the region’s sought-after Chinese cuisine the Oriental Pearl Restaurant owners, the Cai family are moving on.
“It’s been a wonderful opportunity to be here but it’s time for all of us to try something different,” Sally Cai said.
After 19 years and now with older children the family all agreed to embark on their next journey and move back to Sydney.
Sally said there will be a transition period that will see them working at the Oriental Pearl until January 12, next year.
And all is not lost, the tradition of serving quality Chinese food at ClubMulwala will continue in the family with cousins Ken and Maggie Su taking over the reins.
Ken and Maggie will be moving to Mulwala from Wagga Wagga where they have successfully run their own restaurant and will start as early as this week.
“He (Ken) is a Chinese chef of 30 years, so it will be like nothing has changed,” Sally said.
The Cai’s first came to Mulwala after parents Fang and Ying took over the lease of the restaurant at ClubMulwala in 2005.
“My father moved across from Berrigan and the restaurant was very busy so we came down from Syndey to help,” Sally said.
“And here we are 19 years later.”
Sally and husband Ming, along with Sally’s sister Cindy and husband Raymond and her other sister Jennie and husband Eugene formed a formidable team in running what was regarded by many as one of the region’s best Chinese restaurants.
“It’s been wonderful, a great town and supportive community to be in,” Jennie said.
“But we are ready to move on and offer our children exposure to the city now.”
Sally and Cindy reflected on many memorable moments over their 19 years in the restaurant, but one that came to mind was when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“We did not know if we would have a business anymore, we just banded together as a family and made it work,” Cindy said.
“I remember taking meals over to the skatepark in Yarrawonga to meet customers with their orders.
“Most of our customers come from Yarrawonga so we had to do it, we have never done takeaway deliveries, but they were desperate times.”
Sally thanked their many staff over the years and their loyal customers.
“We have been lucky with so many great staff and fantastic customers.
“We have also been lucky to have a great working relationship with ClubMulwala’s management and staff,” Sally said.
ClubMulwala Chief Executive Officer Alan Rowe said the Cai family will be missed but is looking forward to the next chapter of the Oriental Pearl Restaurant.
“They have been such exemplary tenants, we could not have wished for any better,” Mr Rowe said.
“We have been very proud to have them as part of our club.
“We complemented each other well, they attracted clientele in their own right and so did we, it was a great marriage.
“We wish them all the best, and they can leave with their heads held high.”
Mr Rowe said the board were excited and happy to go with the families’ recommendation to go with another member of their family to take on the leasehold of the Oriental Pearl Restaurant.
“We did our homework; members of the board sampled the food in Wagga and came back with glowing reports.”
Mr Rowe said the club management, members and guests are looking forward to the continuation of the high-quality, freshly made food that has been synonymous with the Oriental Pearl Restaurant.