Visalia group plans 3 new restaurants in historic city block
After being on the market for the past year the last remnant of the historic Visalia Chinatown, a full block on Center St, about 5500st under roof, has been purchased by an investor and development group who plan to remodel the brick buildings and bring in three new restaurants to Downtown.
The goal is to redevelop the former Lum Lums and Hong Kong Restaurant property at 417 E. Center Street.The east Downtown location is just a few blocks from the new Civic Center under development .
The project is a partnership between Mario Celillo, Adrian Rubio, and Sam Ramirez with Celllilo leading the property development side, while Adrian and Sam oversee the restaurant concepts and operations.
Ramirez says “Our goal is to breathe new life into these buildings and create three distinct dining experiences that contribute to the continued growth and revitalization of downtown Visalia.”
The group says they plan three eatery concepts called the Oak project:
Oakmont Kitchen & Bar – An elevated, dinner-focused restaurant featuring a menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, and contemporary American cuisine. We’re envisioning a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s sophisticated without feeling overly formal. The restaurant will feature indoor dining, a bar, and outdoor patio seating. We want Oakmont to be a place where people can celebrate special occasions but also feel comfortable stopping in for dinner on a regular Tuesday night.
Olive & Oak Deli – A fast-casual, Italian-inspired sandwich shop focused on quality ingredients, fresh preparation, and great sandwiches. A new lunch spot.
Oak City Barbeque – A casual, energetic barbecue restaurant featuring smoked meats, a full bar, and televisions for watching sports. We’re designing this as a neighborhood gathering place where friends and families can come together over good food, drinks, and a game.
“One of the things we’re most excited about is the opportunity to create three very different experiences within the same downtown development” says Sam.Adrian and Sam have spent years in the hospitality business.
“We’re especially excited about the location. Downtown Visalia has so much character, history, and potential, and we believe projects like this can help bring additional energy and activity to the area. These buildings have been part of the community for decades, and rather than simply replacing what was there, we want to respect that history while creating something new for the next generation to enjoy.”
Indeed the block has a storied history.
In 1947, William Lum (Uncle Bill) and Lily Lum, his mother, both former San Francisco Chinatown residents, purchased an existing restaurant in Visalia’s Chinatown. After the Downtown District flood of December 22, 1955, they rebuilt The Hong Kong Restaurant and Nine Dragons Room Bar. In 1976, Hubert Lum (father) and Lily Lum, his mother, managed therestaurant/bar when Uncle Bill opened Willie Lum’s China Row on Monterey Bay’s historic Cannery Row, now the currensite of the Chart House. In 1978, Hubert Lum (father) and Lily F. Lum (mother) purchased the business/building,refurbishing The Hong Kong and opening Lum Lum’s in 1982.
The couple eventually purchased the whole block, the last
existing remains of what was at one time, part of a bustling Visalia Chinatown.
In 1992, they opened The Double LL Steakhouse and Saloon.
417 E. Center and 401 E. Center are two renovated “new” buildings behind the late 1800s original brick facade. Hubert and Lily F. Lum received the 1999 Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Chapter of the Central California Restaurant Association before they retired in 2000.
More recently Lum Lums closed their doors last December.
An historic marker near the entrance to Lum Lums recognizes the historic district.
The Chinese Community flourished in this area from the latter 1800s to the 1960s. The first known Chinese resident in Visalia was known to be here as early as December 1859. Visalia Chinatown dates from the early 1890s. Originally encouraged to come to California as laborers during the Gold Rush era and the building of the railroads, the Chinese remained in the Central Valley despite active racism by their occidental neighbors. Most of the buildings erected by the Chinese in this vicinity were demolished in 1963, leaving this one block as the sole reminder of a once thriving community.
Here is a photo of one Center St building that was demolished, thanks to the Los Tulares publication.