The announcement, made during a press conference at the intersection of Grim Avenue and North Park Way - steps from where Chong’s Lucky’s Golden Phenix once stood - marks the culmination of a grassroots campaign that garnered over 4,200 signatures on a Change.org petition. The honorary street renaming has been approved by Whitburn’s office and is expected to be a formality when it goes before the full San Diego City Council for final approval, a testament to the community's unified support.
"Today we are here to honor somebody who embodied the spirit of service and dedication,"Whitburn said, standing beneath the street signs that will soon bear Chong's name. "We’re here to celebrate the memory of restaurateur Lucky Wong. For nearly 50 years, Lucky was a business owner and much, much more. He was a cornerstone of North Park, known for his kindness, his generosity, and the welcoming presence he created for all who walked through his door right here at the Golden Phenix."
Wong "Lucky" Chong, who passed away inside his restaurant on December 30, 2024, at the age of 86, was a beloved figure in North Park, where he operated Lucky’s Golden Phenix from 1975 until its closure late last year. Born in Taishan, China, in 1938, Chong immigrated to San Diego in 1949 and opened his restaurant at the corner of Grim Avenue and North Park Way, initially serving Chinese cuisine before transforming it into a breakfast spot renowned for its affordable American classics. Dishes like bacon, eggs, and pancakes, often priced under $10, made it a haven for seniors, students, and locals on a budget. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chong’s selflessness shone through when he redirected funds from a GoFundMe campaign meant to save his struggling business to support North Park Diner and CORE, a nonprofit aiding food service workers.
The campaign to rename Grim Avenue was spearheaded by Matthew Lyons, owner of Tribute Pizza, located across the street in the former North Park Post Office. Lyons, who first met Chong while scouting the area for his pizzeria in 2016, developed a deep bond with the restaurateur, who became a mentor and friend.
"Lucky is an unlikely community hero," Lyons said in a statement to SanDiegoVille. "He just showed up every day, serving $5 breakfasts with humility and heart. But what he built on this corner went far beyond food; he built community."
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| Lucky Chong and Matt Lyons |
Lyons launched the Change.org petition in March 2025, rallying 4,285 supporters in a "true grassroots movement," as Whitburn noted. "Thanks to the 4,285 people who supported this effort, his name will now live on in the neighborhood he helped shape," Lyons added, expressing gratitude to Chong’s family and Whitburn for making the renaming a reality.
Chong’s legacy is deeply woven into North Park’s fabric. Over the decades, he watched the neighborhood evolve from a quieter enclave to a vibrant hub, a transformation he once predicted when he said, "North Park is the center of San Diego," according to Lyons’ petition. His restaurant was a gathering place where he greeted customers like family, memorizing their orders and fostering a sense of belonging. Lyons recalled how Chong gifted him a Lucky Money tree on Tribute Pizza’s opening day in 2016, a keepsake that still adorns the pizzeria, symbolizing their enduring friendship.
The renaming of Grim Avenue to "Lucky Lane" reflects North Park’s commitment to honoring its history amid rapid change. The neighborhood, known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, breweries, and boutiques, has seen significant gentrification in recent years, with property values rising 15% since 2020, according to Zillow data. Yet, Chong’s presence remained a constant, offering a nostalgic anchor for longtime residents. Posts on X celebrated the announcement, with users calling Chong "a North Park legend" and "the heart of the community," while others shared memories of his $5 breakfasts and warm smile.
The honorary street name change, one of two allowed per council term under San Diego’s policy, will apply to the 3800 block of Grim Avenue between University Avenue and North Park Way. While the official signage change awaits City Council approval, the community is already planning ways to celebrate, with local businesses like Tribute Pizza and North Park Main Street expected to host events marking the occasion.
Chong’s legacy is deeply woven into North Park’s fabric. Over the decades, he watched the neighborhood evolve from a quieter enclave to a vibrant hub, a transformation he once predicted when he said, "North Park is the center of San Diego," according to Lyons’ petition. His restaurant was a gathering place where he greeted customers like family, memorizing their orders and fostering a sense of belonging. Lyons recalled how Chong gifted him a Lucky Money tree on Tribute Pizza’s opening day in 2016, a keepsake that still adorns the pizzeria, symbolizing their enduring friendship.
The renaming of Grim Avenue to "Lucky Lane" reflects North Park’s commitment to honoring its history amid rapid change. The neighborhood, known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, breweries, and boutiques, has seen significant gentrification in recent years, with property values rising 15% since 2020, according to Zillow data. Yet, Chong’s presence remained a constant, offering a nostalgic anchor for longtime residents. Posts on X celebrated the announcement, with users calling Chong "a North Park legend" and "the heart of the community," while others shared memories of his $5 breakfasts and warm smile.
The honorary street name change, one of two allowed per council term under San Diego’s policy, will apply to the 3800 block of Grim Avenue between University Avenue and North Park Way. While the official signage change awaits City Council approval, the community is already planning ways to celebrate, with local businesses like Tribute Pizza and North Park Main Street expected to host events marking the occasion.
"This corner has always belonged to Lucky; now the name on the street will finally say so," Lyons said, a sentiment echoed by many who see the renaming as a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy of kindness continues to inspire.
