Mi La Cay to Close Doors on October 29
The long-running Seattle restaurant will end its 34-year tenure at the corner of Rainier and Dearborn.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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After 34 years of business, the Seattle restaurant Mi La Cay will hold its final day of service on October 29, 2026. Founders Ha Ong and Trinh Ong announced the closure as they prepare to retire from operations.
Why it matters
The closure marks the end of a multi-decade staple in Seattle that provided a cultural anchor for the community. The siblings behind the business decided it was time to step away after more than three decades of serving customers.
The restaurant operated for a total of 34 years since its initial opening in 1993. This closure marks the conclusion of over three decades of service at the intersection of Rainier Avenue and Dearborn Street.
The players
Ha Ong
She is one of the sibling co-founders who established and operated Mi La Cay for 34 years.
Trinh Ong
He is a sibling co-founder who helped establish the restaurant in 1993.
Friends of Little Saigon
This organization provided support to the restaurant during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Intentionalist
This entity provided advocacy and support to local businesses like Mi La Cay during the pandemic.
The details
The decision to shutter the restaurant follows support from organizations like Friends of Little Saigon and Intentionalist during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owners Ha Ong and Trinh Ong issued a public statement confirming their retirement after their lengthy tenure.
Timeline
Mi La Cay first opened its doors in 1993.
The restaurant will hold its final day of service on October 29, 2026.
Market Landscape
The closure of Mi La Cay follows the documented trend of legacy small businesses in Seattle shuttering as generational owners reach retirement age. This departure shifts the local retail landscape by removing a long-standing institution from the neighborhood.
Regular customers and residents in the Rainier Avenue area will lose a long-time dining option following the October 29 closure. Patrons looking to visit the establishment one final time must do so before the restaurant concludes its operations.
The takeaway
Legacy restaurants often face a difficult transition period as owners look toward retirement after decades of service. Community members can show their support for such establishments by visiting during their final weeks of operation.
Further reading
For more news on local retail changes, visit the Seattle Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX13 News | Seattle & Western Washington | Formerly Q13 News.
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