Ongpin, a longtime Filipino restaurant in South San Francisco, will be serving its last meals on Sunday after more than three decades in business, employees tell ABC7 Eyewitness News.
Its last day in business is August 16.
The restaurant, located at 73 Camaritas Ave., is known for its Filipino cuisine serving many classic dishes and appetizers, such as sizzling pork sisig, lumpia, kare kare, lechon, crispy pata, sinigang, and more, and also known for its all you can eat weekend brunch buffet.
“I would like to thank everyone for supporting us, continuing supporting us for over 32 years. They are so, very good customers and very loyal customers,” said Ludy Noguera, Ongpin co-owner, on Sunday.
“Hundreds of people have been coming here since yesterday, they wanted to see Ongpin for the last time,” said Ludy’s husband and Ongpin co-owner, Manny Noguera.
This is an undated exterior image of Ongpin restaurant in South San Francisco, Calif.
Ongpin ownership and employees were informed officially less than two weeks ago, the City of South San Francisco will continue with its plan to expand the South San Francisco Fire Department, across from its existing fire station, next month.
Ludy said they were first informed several years ago, the city, which owns the lot, planned to take over Ongpin’s location and make it a fire station.
She said the city has been supportive since, helping to find another location for the restaurant in South San Francisco.
But Filipino food lovers, don’t fret.
Sister Filipino restaurant Karilagan, located nearby at 1129 El Camino Real, in South San Francisco, will remain open to satisfy food cravings.
A longtime employee told ABC7 Eyewitness News she is sad Ongpin is closing. “We are family,” she said.
She is worried how she will pay for rent and her bills.
Manny said they plan to relocate some of their employees to their other restaurant(s).
He revealed they tried to relocate Ongpin in Daly City before this month’s closure, but plans fell through.
ABC7 Eyewitness News reached out to South City officials this weekend, but haven’t heard back by the publication of this article.
Ongpin first opened in 1994 and was named after a historic street in Manila’s Chinatown in The Philippines.
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