04/01/2026
It was in 2016, the year I moved to the South, that I first discovered Sichuan Gourmet.From then on, Height Plaza became “the plaza with Lao Sichuan.” Friends who came to visit would often say how lucky we were to have Sichuan Gourmet so close to home.Whenever we hosted guests or welcomed family traveling from afar, Lao Sichuan was our go-to. No matter how good Western food is, for Chinese, nothing warms the stomach quite like Chinese food.
For 16 years in Sharon, Sichuan Gourmet has warmed the hearts and stomachs of the community. The great-value lunch specials and the long-running “cafeteria-style” meals became part of daily life. During those hectic days of juggling work and kids, Sichuan Gourmet was our backup plan—no time to cook? Just call and order. When friends dropped by unexpectedly at lunchtime: “Let’s eat—let’s go to Sichuan Gourmet!” Every year during the Chinese Spring Festival Gala, the community association knew there would always be food from Sichuan Gourmet.
Before it closed, I took my kids there one last time to dine in. It reminded me of when I was pregnant with my second child—I constantly craved hot and sour soup and would go there again and again for lunch specials. I would always ask, “Could I have a little more soup?” Eventually, the staff recognized me and would automatically bring me a big bowl every time.
Whenever the topic of pregnancy comes up, I always tell this story. I tell it to my second child too—that even before she was born, while she was still in my belly, she already loved Sichuan Gourmet’s hot and sour soup. And as she grew up, she fell in love with their egg drop soup just the same.
All three of my kids would always beg to go to Sichuan Gourmet for shredded pork with bamboo shoots and egg drop soup. While waiting for the food, they would study the twelve zodiac signs printed on the placemats, and by the end of the meal, they would leave completely happy and satisfied.
My oldest once said she thought moments like these would last forever, and she felt deeply sad realizing they wouldn’t. We told them that’s exactly why we should cherish the people and everyday moments around us—don’t wait until they’re gone to feel the loss. Don’t dwell on the past, and don’t look too far ahead. Just hold close and embrace what’s right in front of you.
At this moment of farewell, let’s take one more look back.
February 2016: Sichuan Gourmet launched its “community cafeteria,” and many residents took turns serving as the “cafeteria manager.”
June 5, 2016: Sichuan Gourmet hosted a charity brunch fundraiser for burn-injured children. Volunteer chefs brought their own ingredients, used Lao Sichuan’s kitchen, and prepared breakfast.
Everyone showcased their specialties: soy milk, youtiao (fried dough sticks), spring rolls, rice cakes, mini mooncakes, tofu pudding, sweet pancakes, Beijing-style snacks, fermented rice balls, and many other hometown dishes
September 2019: An article introducing Sichuan Gourmet was published in the community association’s newsletter.
March 30, 2026: Sichuan Gourmet ‘s last day of business.
Now, as they leave Sharon, there is sadness—but even more gratitude and good wishes. Thank you for being part of our lives. May the woks stay hot and the kindness even warmer. Wishing the Framingham location continued success.
All feasts must come to an end—but the warmth lingers.Wherever life takes us, may we continue to encounter places—and people—like this.
