A famous Sydney restaurant has temporarily shut its doors after nearly 50 years \u2013 but the owners say there\u2019s been a \u201cplot twist\u201d.<\/p>\n
Emperor\u2019s Garden Restaurant has been a fixture of the Sydney Chinatown scene since 1979 but was reportedly forced to shut its doors this week.<\/p>\n
The news came after a notice was slapped on its door stating it had been \u201clawfully re-entered and possession taken\u201d and the locks had been changed.<\/p>\n
In a social media post, the restaurant owner confirmed the restaurant wouldn\u2019t be permanently closing its doors and promised a return.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlot twist: we\u2019re not closing,\u201d the social media post read. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re just making a few moves behind the scenes. More memes have been green lit though.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is where the fun begins.\u201d <\/p>\n
On Facebook, the restaurant confirmed its bakery and yum cha offerings were unavailable, but the Emperor\u2019s Garden BBQ and Noodles remained open on Thomas St. <\/p>\n
Emperor\u2019s Garden has become a fixture of Sydney\u2019s Chinatown for more than four decades, serving traditional Cantonese food and often attracting large crowds, with a long line frequently snaking out the door as hungry customers itch for their custard-filled cream puffs. <\/p>\n
Customers were shocked at the news of the temporary closure, with many sharing memories of the beloved Sydney institution. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so happy you\u2019re not leaving us.,\u201d one said. \u201cWe can\u2019t lose a cultural institution.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t handle this emotional rollercoaster!!\u201d another heartbroken customer said. <\/p>\n
Some said they \u201cpanicked\u201d when they saw the sign on the front door. <\/p>\n
\u201cI panicked. This is not good for my anxiety,\u201d they wrote. \u201cCan\u2019t wait to see you open again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Others recalled the day the restaurant opened in the \u201970s. <\/p>\n
\u201cI eye witnessed the opening of the Emperor\u2019s Garden in 1979,\u201d one fan said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI grew up in this restaurant,\u201d another said. \u201cMyself and my family have many fond memories here \u2013 I sincerely hope this iconic restaurant opens again soon.\u201d <\/p>\n
Others wondered when the doors would reopen so they could get their hands on the famous cream puffs. <\/p>\n
\u201cNoooooo, not the bakery! Where will we buy our puffs???\u201d a person wrote. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have a cream puff addiction, please don\u2019t be too long, or I\u2019ll have to rehab myself,\u201d another said. <\/p>\n