A beloved Wellington eatery, the Rice Bowl Burger Bar, will close its doors for the final time at the end of February. The shop, described as a “hole-in-the-wall,” has been a fixture in the Newtown neighborhood for decades.
A Family Legacy Comes to an End
Wawa Shen, who has co-owned the business with her husband Qing for the past 16 years, confirmed the closure is due to planned redevelopment of the site by the building’s landlord. While the family has been aware of the possibility for the past year, a final closing date was only recently communicated.
The Rice Bowl Burger Bar first opened in the early 1970s, becoming a local institution. Shen spoke of the many memories created at the shop, noting that her children grew up spending time there. “So much memories,” she said. “They’ve all grown up at the back. But life always has been moving on. Maybe there’s a chance for us to change our life a little bit.”
A Community Hub
The closure comes after a difficult period for the surrounding community. The family was operating the shop when the nearby Loafer’s Lodge hostel was destroyed by fire, resulting in five fatalities. Many of the hostel’s residents were regular customers.
Shen recounted the sadness felt when news of the fire broke. “It was quite sad because most of [the tenants] were our customers. When we heard that, it’s like you just cannot believe it. The people just sitting here yesterday and now they tell me they’re passed, they’re gone.” Despite the tragedy, many former residents continued to visit the shop for meals, referring to it as “their kitchen.”
Looking Ahead
Shen stated the family is considering other business ventures, but remains focused on operating the Rice Bowl Burger Bar, which is currently open seven days a week with 11-hour weekday shifts. She noted that operating hours were once extended to 12am or 3am, but were adjusted following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Customers expressed their dismay at the news. Carolyne Peterson, a long-time patron, described the shop as her go-to for late-night snacks, praising their “best chips.” Matt Davis, a resident of nearly 23 years, echoed this sentiment, calling the chips “the best in town” and expressing plans to stock up on Nasi Goreng before the closure.
A message posted on the shop’s Facebook page thanked customers for their “continued love and support over the last 17 years.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Rice Bowl Burger Bar close?
The Rice Bowl Burger Bar will close its doors for the last time at the end of February.
Why is the shop closing?
The building’s landlord plans to redevelop the site.
How long has the Rice Bowl Burger Bar been operating?
The shop first opened in the early 1970s, and Wawa and Qing Shen have co-owned it for the last 16 years.
What will you miss most about local businesses like the Rice Bowl Burger Bar when they close in your community?
