Lo Kai Restaurant In Dracut Closing After 54 Years

For generations of families on both sides of the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border, a night at Lo Kai wasn't just about dinner. It was about celebrating birthdays, raising a Scorpion Bowl with friends, grabbing a basket of their famous egg rolls, or spending the evening under the glow of the restaurant's iconic disco ball.

Now, after more than five decades of memories, that tradition is coming to an end.

Lo Kai Restaurant in Dracut announced on social media that it will permanently close on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, marking the end of an incredible 54-year run.

The restaurant first opened in 1972 when founder Johnny Choi welcomed guests through its doors. Over the years, Lo Kai became much more than a place to eat. It evolved into a destination where families celebrated life's biggest milestones and friends gathered for countless weekend nights.

Current owner Michael, who started as a busboy in 1977 before purchasing the restaurant in 1996, thanked customers for making Lo Kai "a true town staple" and shared that the family is retiring after decades of serving the community.

In an interview with Boston.com, the restaurant said, “We recognize that this news may come as a shock, but we invite you to come in and enjoy a pupu platter, a Mai Tai, or anything you would like before we conclude our time here on Lakeview Avenue."

If the flood of comments online is any indication, Lo Kai's impact stretched far beyond Dracut.

Former customers reminisced about everything from comedy nights and New Year's Eve celebrations to childhood dinners with parents who have since passed away.

"Great memories from many years playing the Lo kai!" Mike Pacheco said. "Played there when they first started with bands in the '80s! So many great people went to the Lo kai! Michael and Johnny behind the bar, and big Ronnie Toe at the door! All the sold out New Year's Eve's we played were so much fun.. The Lo kai will definitely be missed!!!"

Warren Johnston said, "Back in 85 when I was in the 8th grade I learned that students who achieved high honors (Straight A's) were rewarded with lunch at the Lo Kai. That was all of the motivation I needed to turn B's and C's to A's for the next term. That lunch was fire especially when the alternative was school lunch. Best of luck in your future endeavors. You served Dracut well."

Even though Lo Kai sits just over the New Hampshire border, it's long been a favorite for countless Granite Staters looking for a familiar meal and a nostalgic night out.

Restaurants come and go, but few become woven into the fabric of a community for more than half a century. Judging by the heartfelt memories pouring in, Lo Kai accomplished exactly that.

If you've been meaning to stop by one last time, the restaurant's final day in business will be August 8th.