Chinese takeaway reveals how a lot costs have soared for the reason that Eighties

A Chinese takeaway has revealed how much prices have soared since the 1980s after being forced to shut after almost 40 years of trading.

The Lee family, who own Sun Rise in New Ash Green, Kent, say increased cost pressures and overheads made the business unviable.

A menu from their opening day in July 1986 has been retained, which shows how prices have changed in the last 38 years.

Back then, a portion of boiled rice would cost 90p, not £3.50 as it does now, and a dish of sweet and sour chicken would have only been £1.95, now it is £7.

Other cheap and cheerful menu options in the 80’s would’ve been special fried rice for £1.55, chicken chow mein for £1.15 and curry sauce for 60p.

From left to right, Chi Lee, Shun Hong lee, Shun Man Lee and May Lee are closing up shop after almost 40 years after running their family fun Chinese takeaway

Shun Hong Lee pictured at Sun Rise takeaway in New Ash Green, Kent

This old Chinese takeaway menu shows just how much prices have increased since the 1980s

Owner Shun Man Lee, 56, said: ‘We have decided it is time to stop doing the takeaway. We have been here a long time but it is time to call it quits.

‘Ever since Covid, the prices of everything have gone up. We have raised our prices but it is becoming more taxing to the customers.’

Mr Lee said the costs of ingredients have almost doubled in the last few years with gas and electrics rising by around 30 per cent.

He said items such as a bag of potatoes which used to be £12 are now £18 and it has become cheaper to buy chicken from a supermarket rather than a wholesaler.

Mr Lee added: ‘We have been trying to think of solutions such as closing earlier but we have had to think about the long-term.

‘It is a family-run business, we have all worked here, but we have to think about the family and how to move forward.

‘This business was to support the family and children, to make sure they had a good education and have a roof over their heads.

‘Like most immigrant families, we set up a shop to sell the food we grew up with and would eat.’

He continued: ‘We will miss everyone. It has not been an easy decision. Thank you to all our customers and their support past and present. They are the whole reason that it has thrived.

Sweet and sour chicken used to cost just £1.95 in the 1980s compared to £7 today

The Lee family say increased cost pressures and overheads made the business unviable. Pictured: May Lee

Owner Shun Man Lee (pictured), 56, said: ‘We have decided it is time to stop doing the takeaway. We have been here a long time but it is time to call it quits’

A look at the message the Lee family have left behind to their customers

Flowers were left by people in the community thanking the Lee family for their service

Thank you cards from loyal customers at Sun Rise takeaway

‘We did not expect such support from us announcing we were closing, we are touched by it.

‘We hope to see people around the village and say hello. We will still be in the community, just differently.’

He even said regulars have been bulk-buying popular dishes such as chicken chow mein to freeze and asking for their curry sauce recipe to make at home.

Mr Lee has worked in the shop since he was 17 years old but has now decided it is time to try something new with less ‘stress and strain’ and where he is no longer the boss.

His wife May Lee added: ‘We are going to take a break and see what we can do.’