A Courtenay classic closes its doors

[eatrustic]

This past weekend saw the final burgers, milkshakes and Denver sandwiches served from Leungs in the heart of oldtown Courtenay.

Opened in 1951 by the Leung family and run by them to the end, this was a classic of the grocery store and lunch counter genre. The store, as is often the case, was not able to keep up with the times and as the owners have gotten older it was decided to sell and close for redevelopment.

I only discovered it in the last few years but always made a point to go in for a Denver sandwich or their Combo Burger and a milkshake. The Combo burger had fried onions, cheese, lettuce, tomato and a grilled hot dog.

As is often the case with these classics, business had dropped off in the last while but the week leading up to the end saw the lunch counter doing record business as the former patrons stopped off for a last bite and a farewell.

As part of the redevelopment the original sign will be kept on the building. Bittersweet to say the least.

[mtigges]

I worked in Courtney for a summer in my 20's and found Leung's on my first week, thanks to a couple of mill workers who took me. Indeed a sad day. Thanks for the update.