The Regal Chinese Restaurant was an institution for Mildura locals

A long-running Chinese restaurant in Mildura that has hosted birthdays, engagements and anniversaries for more than 30 years is on the market.

Synonymous with special occasions, the Regal Chinese Restaurant, which closed in 2022, is now on the market

Whether it was a birthday, anniversary, engagement or a family night out, Regal Chinese Restaurant on Deakin Ave was the place to go in Mildura if you fancied Chinese food.

The restaurant is synonymous with special occasions.

Opening on Christmas Eve in 1990, it became a favourite of locals and tourists alike for 32 years.

Sadly, in August 2022, the owners of the iconic establishment decided to permanently close the doors, citing a lack of staff, inability to cope with demand and retirement as some of the reason behind the closure.

The facade of the iconic Regal Chinese Restaurant on Deakin Ave in Mildura

It was trumpeted as an “end of an era,” on social media, with many others echoing that sentiment when the closure was officially announced on Facebook.

“We loved it. The whole family was so sad when they closed, but all good things must come to an end,” local Caroline Marks said.

Though the owners are long gone, the restaurant remains and the man tasked with finding new owners, managing director of Professionals, Tony Roccisano, has his own connection to the local favourite.

The dining room at the Regal Chinese Restaurant hosted all types of special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and so much more

“When I was a teenager, Mum and Dad would take me to the Regal and it was always special when we went there,” Mr Roccisano said.

“Everybody around town knew if it was a special occasion or if you just wanted good Chinese food, go to the Regal.”

And, although Professionals have only had the listing for a short time, there is no shortage of interest in the restaurant with the unique architecture.

The bar at the Regal Chinese Restaurant

“We have had interest from Sydney and Melbourne, as well as some local interest — but it is still early days,” Mr Roccisano said.

“I’d love to see some new operators continue the same theme. You know, take it on and give it a new lease on life. It would ensure the city maintains a certain cultural enrichment.”

The Herald Sun attempted to contact the former owners of Regal Chinese Restaurant, but they wished to remain anonymous.