The Mee Sum restaurant in Fall River will have a new owner by the end of 2024

FALL RIVER – Iconic on South Main Street Sum restaurant still plans to close its doors on the last day of the year, New Year’s Eve.

“We’re retiring,” owner Regina Mark said of herself and her husband, Kenny Mark, who helped run the business.

The acclaimed Chinese eatery, housed in the decades-old building that hit the market in April, has been owned and operated by the Marks for the past 52 years. Real estate agent John Viveiros of LaMacchia Realty had said in an earlier interview that the business does not have a liquor license and that the interior was a bit dated. The Marks asked $499,000 for the building and its equipment.

Mark declined to share how much the company actually sold for, saying the sale was still pending.

She said the new buyer is based in the area, indicating they are giving up a former property and moving into the restaurant after the property officially changes hands. “They don’t want to be revealed until they have the keys in their hands,” she said of the buyer.

Renovations expected

Mark said there is a lot of work to be done when it comes to the kitchen, where the original equipment “needs updating. The entire kitchen needs to be renovated. That will take some time,” she said.

Mee Sum served Fall River for 74 years

Mark implores those craving one last chow mein sandwich to grab it while they can. She is grateful for the loyalty of Mee Sum patrons, adding that their support has been particularly remarkable.

“I’ve had so many years in this business. We had many loyal customers who followed us for years,” she says.

The Marks are the second generation in their family to keep the business running, attracting newcomers and regulars to their popular dining atmosphere and proven cuisine.

“They hate to let us go, but it’s time for us to step back,” Mark said. “I came to this country in 1972,” she said, and since then she has had to learn the ins and outs of the trade, dedicated to that one job that has served her well for decades.