Oriental East, a dim sum restaurant in downtown Silver Spring known for attracting long lines of diners on the weekend, is closing at the end of September.
Its owners announced the plan to close in a sign posted on the door of the restaurant—located in the Blairs Shopping Center along East West Highway—over the weekend.
“Thank you for your loyal patronage of Oriental East for the past 27 years,” the sign read. “With upcoming renovations to The Blairs Shopping Center, it is with heavy hearts that we have decided to take a much-needed break.”
Oriental East first opened on Sept. 9, 1990, according to the sign. It will close Sept. 30.
Eater DC first reported news of the closing.
The restaurant serves dim sum daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The small-portion Cantonese dishes include dumplings, rolls and roast duck and are brought to tables on a rolling cart.
Lines would often stretch out the door, especially during weekends. Ashleigh Black, a server at the Mamma Lucia’s restaurant located opposite Oriental East along the entrance to the shopping center, said Tuesday she was surprised by the announced closing, as the staff at the Italian restaurant would regularly see diners lined up along much of the block for dim sum.
The sign noted the restaurant hopes to serve customers again “if the opportunity arises.” A manager at Oriental East said reopening in another location was possible, though it likely would not be immediate because the owners need a break.
The owners of Oriental East were not available for comment.
The Tower Cos. are developing a site adjacent to the shopping center, which includes planned park space and the recently opened The Pearl apartment building.
Other stores and restaurants in the shopping center plan to remain open through the construction period, according to staff working Tuesday.
