Born in Taishan, China, in 1938, Lucky immigrated to San Diego in 1949 at the age of 11, brought by his grandfather. In 1975, he opened Lucky's Golden Phenix in a quiet corner of North Park. While skeptics questioned his decision to invest in the then-sleepy neighborhood, Lucky's vision for the area proved prophetic. "North Park is the center of San Diego," he once proudly proclaimed, anticipating the community's transformation decades before it became the vibrant hub it is today.
Initially a Chinese restaurant, Lucky's Golden Phenix evolved over the years into a no-frills breakfast spot serving classic American fare at prices that remained remarkably affordable. Loyal customers praised Lucky not just for his food but for his genuine care. He personally cooked, served, and greeted diners with a shy smile and friendly banter.
As North Park grew and changed around him, Lucky preserved the unpretentious charm of his diner, refusing to modernize or raise prices significantly out of respect for his longtime customers. In 2022, Lucky's gained viral fame through a TikTok video that celebrated the restaurant's timeless appeal, drawing new fans from across the city.
Even during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Lucky's character shone through. Unable to operate for most of 2020 due to health risks, Lucky's family launched a GoFundMe to support the business. True to his nature, Lucky redirected the funds to North Park Diner and CORE, a nonprofit supporting food service workers with children. "That’s just Lucky," said his family member August Wang. "He knows a lot of people in the community who need it more than he does."
Lucky's work ethic was legendary. As the sole operator of his diner, he did everything from cooking to bussing tables. Even when the restaurant was closed during the pandemic, he could often be found there, greeting neighbors and chatting with the mailman.
"He’s a special person," said Harry Kim, owner of North Park Diner, who was touched by Lucky’s generosity. "His mind is really special."
Matthew Lyons, owner of North Park's Tribute Pizza, shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling Lucky’s encouragement when he was launching his pizzeria in North Park. Lucky's belief in the neighborhood’s potential extended to everyone around him, offering support and wisdom with his characteristic humility.
Initially a Chinese restaurant, Lucky's Golden Phenix evolved over the years into a no-frills breakfast spot serving classic American fare at prices that remained remarkably affordable. Loyal customers praised Lucky not just for his food but for his genuine care. He personally cooked, served, and greeted diners with a shy smile and friendly banter.
As North Park grew and changed around him, Lucky preserved the unpretentious charm of his diner, refusing to modernize or raise prices significantly out of respect for his longtime customers. In 2022, Lucky's gained viral fame through a TikTok video that celebrated the restaurant's timeless appeal, drawing new fans from across the city.
Even during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Lucky's character shone through. Unable to operate for most of 2020 due to health risks, Lucky's family launched a GoFundMe to support the business. True to his nature, Lucky redirected the funds to North Park Diner and CORE, a nonprofit supporting food service workers with children. "That’s just Lucky," said his family member August Wang. "He knows a lot of people in the community who need it more than he does."
Lucky's work ethic was legendary. As the sole operator of his diner, he did everything from cooking to bussing tables. Even when the restaurant was closed during the pandemic, he could often be found there, greeting neighbors and chatting with the mailman.
"He’s a special person," said Harry Kim, owner of North Park Diner, who was touched by Lucky’s generosity. "His mind is really special."
Matthew Lyons, owner of North Park's Tribute Pizza, shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling Lucky’s encouragement when he was launching his pizzeria in North Park. Lucky's belief in the neighborhood’s potential extended to everyone around him, offering support and wisdom with his characteristic humility.
"Lucky's was what first brought me to the corner of Grim and North Park Way," wrote Lyone in a social media post. "I was hoping to host a pop-up in his restaurant, so I started eating there and getting to know him before making my pitch. After the first time I had breakfast, he had memorized my order, and it would be on the counter a minute or two after I sat down. I would go three or four times a week, and we became fast friends. After the first time I brought it up, he would tease me about just bringing over my pizza oven 'just in case.' 'Maybe next week' he would say with a wry smile. I was actually sitting at Lucky's a couple months later, eating my scrambled eggs and extra crispy hash browns, when the first 'for lease' sign was hung in the window of the old post office space caddy corner to his. That day, I asked Lucky what he thought should go in the old post office, who he wanted as a neighbor, and he said 'Off track betting!' and laughed. I told him I didn't think that was going to happen and he said 'Maybe you! You finally make pizza on this corner!' Two plus years later, on July 19th, 2016, our opening day, he brought me a Lucky Money tree. It's still in Tribute to this day. I have more to share, but I'm crying, so I'll just say I'm going to miss you, old friend, thank you for everything."
Lucky’s Golden Phenix officially closed in late 2024, marking the end of an era. Yet, Lucky’s influence lives on in the hearts of the community he helped build.
Wong "Lucky" Chong is remembered as much for his kindness and generosity as for his iconic diner. His life and work exemplified the spirit of North Park, leaving an indelible mark on San Diego.
Rest in peace, Lucky. Your light will continue to shine in San Diego and beyond.
Originally published on December 31, 2024.
Lucky’s Golden Phenix officially closed in late 2024, marking the end of an era. Yet, Lucky’s influence lives on in the hearts of the community he helped build.
Wong "Lucky" Chong is remembered as much for his kindness and generosity as for his iconic diner. His life and work exemplified the spirit of North Park, leaving an indelible mark on San Diego.
Rest in peace, Lucky. Your light will continue to shine in San Diego and beyond.
Originally published on December 31, 2024.
