Fung Ming Restaurant (Demolished)
Sterling, IL
Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan

Fung Ming Restaurant was once a familiar sight in downtown Sterling, Illinois, serving Cantonese and Chinese-American favorites for generations. The neighborhood restaurant developed a loyal following, with many locals remembering its traditional dishes and especially its popular egg rolls. 07-11

Although little has been documented about its early history, Fung Ming remained a local favorite for years. Like many neighborhood Chinese restaurants, it was a gathering place for families and regular customers who appreciated its familiar menu and friendly atmosphere.

UPDATE: Fung Ming Restaurant eventually closed, and the building was demolished in 2016 as part of a downtown redevelopment project. The fate of its vintage neon sign is unknown. 06-26

Yun's Chinese Food Restaurant (Gone)
Sault Ste Marie ON, Canada
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Yun’s Chinese Food Restaurant featured one of the more distinctive signs in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. The projecting marquee, complete with decorative feather details, was an eye-catching example of vintage restaurant advertising. By the time this photo was taken, the sign was already showing its age. 06-14

The building previously housed Johnstone’s Dairy Bar, a popular local hangout dating back to the 1940s. During later restoration work, an old painted ghost sign for the dairy bar was uncovered beneath the brick façade. Yun’s was operated by members of the Yun family, who had been part of the local Chinese restaurant scene for generations.

UPDATE: Yun’s Restaurant has closed, and its distinctive sign was removed sometime before 2012. The building has since served several other businesses, including a coffeehouse, art gallery, and law offices. 07-26