A longtime Massachusetts restaurant that became a gathering place for generations of families has served its final meals. After more than five decades in business, the popular restaurant is closing as its family owners retire.
Lo Kai Restaurant closes after 54 years
Lo Kai Restaurant & Lounge in Dracut, Massachusetts, permanently closed after business on August 8, 2026, ending a 54-year run.
The restaurant first opened in 1972, when founder Johnny Choi welcomed customers to the Lakeview Avenue location. Over the decades, Lo Kai became a fixture for residents of Dracut and surrounding communities, including customers from across the nearby New Hampshire border.
The restaurant was known for its Chinese cuisine, including Cantonese, Mandarin, and Szechuan dishes, as well as Polynesian-inspired offerings. It also featured a full bar, buffet, dance floor, and live entertainment, making it more than just a place to grab dinner.
Family retirement brings an end to restaurant
Current owner Michael began working at Lo Kai as a busboy in 1977, just five years after the restaurant opened. He eventually purchased the business in 1996 and continued operating it for decades.
In announcing the closure, the restaurant acknowledged that the news could come as a shock to longtime customers and encouraged them to stop in for one final meal before its time in Dracut came to an end.
Customers remember a community institution
The closure prompted an outpouring of memories from longtime customers. Former patrons recalled celebrating birthdays, New Year’s Eve, family dinners, comedy nights, and other special occasions at the restaurant.
For some customers, Lo Kai had been part of their lives since childhood. Its longtime presence also made it a familiar destination for residents throughout the greater Lowell and southern New Hampshire area.
After 54 years, Lo Kai is now part of Dracut’s restaurant history. Its final day on August 8 marked the end of a family business that served multiple generations of customers and became deeply woven into the local community.
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