The One-And-Only Wan’s Mandarin House - The Iconic Fort Lauderdale Restaurant Celebrates Its Big 60

The restaurant first came to be in 1966 in Miami, founded by Lee Pong Wan and his wife, Hide Wan. It relocated to Broward in 1977, finding a home in its current location at 664 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 in 2005. Wan’s is one of South Florida’s longest-running, most-successful family-owned Chinese restaurants in South Florida and arguably the most well-known. “Restaurants very rarely reach a milestone of this caliber,” recognizes Owner/Operator Alex Kuk, a South Florida celebrity chef in his own right. Kuk took the restaurant over from his aunt, who retired in 2024 but is often found at Wan’s, welcoming customers and chatting with regulars, many of whom have become personal friends. “I was blessed to be able to step in when my aunt decided it was time to enjoy some well-earned time off. I grew up in the business and spent so many years here. Taking over Wan’s was a huge responsibility, one I didn’t take lightly. This restaurant has been an integral part of my family’s life, not to mention the countless families who have literally grown up at our tables. To say the regulars were watching my every move is a major understatement. Once they saw that my goal was to refresh, not recreate what they cherished and loved, we were off at the races, and it’s been a glorious ride ever since.”

The festivities kick off on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 and will continue through Sunday, August 16th, 2026. A breakdown of what guests can expect follows:

On Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and Commissioner Lamar P. Fisher will kick off the festivities with a proclamation presentation to the Wan family. Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wans-mandarin-house-celebrating-60-years-of-tradition-tickets-1993624943874?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Attendance includes a complimentary glass of bubbly with proceeds benefitting the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

From Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 - Sunday, August 16th, 2026 an array of classic Wan’s dishes will return including: Ginger Scallion Lobster, Hong Kong Chicken, Sweet & Sour Whole Snapper, and more.

To help celebrate the milestone birthday, Chef Kuk and team are hosting a trio of cooking classes: Saturday, August 1st, 2026 – Classic Asian Appetizers; Saturday, August 29th, 2026 – Classic Chinese Cooking Techniques; and Saturday, September 5th, 2026 – Classic Chinese Seafood.

A special prix fixe brunch on Saturday, August 15th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. $60 per person includes sponsored draft beer and house wine, excluding tax, service and additional bar. Family-style three-course menu:

Course 1: seafood soup, dumplings, Peking duck with cucumber salad

Course 2: ginger scallion shrimp, Hong Kong chicken, Chinese broccoli, Mei Fun noodles; egg and onion rice

Course 3: A special dessert Berna Bakes

• Special limited-time-only anniversary cocktails will also be on offer along with a bevy of food & drink specials to be announced.

• Chinese cooking techniques to help commemorate six decades of deliciousness, the Wan family has dived deep into their personal archives and will have a special memorabilia and photography exhibit on display for all to enjoy. Expect dozens of photos stretching all the way back, original menus, you name it; all culled from their personal treasure trove.

Wan’s 60th Anniversary celebration will kick off on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 and continue through Sunday, August 16th, 2026 - location: 664 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304.

For a complete breakdown of hours of operation, to make reservations, or for more information, please visit: www.wansfl.com.