The Phung’s Celebrate Retirement After 38 Wonderful Years

After nearly four decades of serving delicious meals and creating cherished memories, the Phung family has officially retired on May 12, marking the end of an era in Vermilion. On Saturday, May 10 friends, loyal customers, and community members gathered at Mau Lam Restaurant for a heartfelt come-and-go celebration with cake and refreshments to say farewell and express their appreciation.

Duc and Anh Phung opened Mau Lam Restaurant 38 years ago, acting on the recommendation of a friend who praised Vermilion as a vibrant town full of promise. From day one, it was clear they had found the right place. “We remember the first day was very exciting and busy,” they recalled.

Over the years, the Phung family not only served incredible food but also became an integral part of the community’s fabric. “We raised our family in Vermilion and we have made lifelong friends, and over the years we have had multiple generations of families support our restaurant providing us the opportunity to have shared a lot of special moments here, for example wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, pregnancy announcements and gender reveals.”

Their dishes became household favourites across town. Customers raved about the egg rolls paired with their signature homemade sauce, the comforting wonton soup, crispy chicken balls, and flavourful ginger beef. “Chow Mein noodles is one of our popular dishes, some customers call it Chinese spaghetti,” they shared.

The journey, while rewarding, wasn’t always easy. Like many businesses, the Phungs faced challenges, none greater than the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID was a big challenge for us. We had to adapt to all the changing rules. Thankfully we were able to do takeout, so we were able to continue to serve our customers safely. The support from the community was amazing.”

Still, through resilience, consistency, and a deep commitment to customer service, the Phungs sustained their legacy. They’ve also witnessed the town grow and evolve. Reflecting on the changes, they noted, “One of the big changes that really stands out is how Main Street has transformed. There are more local shops and events, and some of the buildings have been renovated, giving them a fresh look while still preserving their original charm.”

It was never a solo effort, Mau Lam was truly a family affair. Their children — Cindy Phung-Lam and her husband David, Jack Phung, Danny Phung and his wife Jennifer Kim, Jennifer Phung coming to help on busy special occasions; while daughter Lisa Phung-Szydlik, has been a cornerstone of the restaurant, but all played an important part. Lisa’s husband Colin Szydlik also stepped in over the years to lend a hand.

With the restaurant now passed on to new owners, the Phungs offer words of encouragement and a warm welcome. “The best piece of advice is to be prepared for long hours, and don’t compromise on food quality and customer service.” They added, “We wish them tremendous success. The town of Vermilion are wonderful, and we know they will welcome them with open arms like they did with our family.”

As they said their goodbyes, often with tearful eyes, the Phung family expressed their deepest appreciation to the town they’ve called home for so long. “We are deeply grateful to the community for the support throughout the years. We will genuinely miss all the wonderful individuals we have met and this fantastic community.”

From a quick bite to memorable celebrations, the Phungs have fed both stomachs and souls, and as they move into a well-earned retirement, the community of Vermilion celebrates not just the end of a chapter, but the joy of having shared it together.

“Now that we’re retired and have more time on our hands, we’re looking forward to relaxing and spending more quality time with our family; especially with our grandchildren.”