Why Lion Dance Cafe, Oakland’s Beloved Vegan Spot, Is Closing in 2024

Beloved Oakland vegan eatery Lion Dance Cafe is permanently closing its doors in April 2024, ending a groundbreaking chapter in plant-based and Southeast Asian cuisine. Known for its bold flavors, cultural authenticity, and inclusive community values, the vegan restaurant’s closure reflects broader challenges facing independent establishments — including rising costs, burnout, and shifting industry dynamics. This article explores why one of the Bay Area’s most innovative restaurants is shutting down, its impact on the local food scene, and what it means for the future of vegan dining in Oakland.

Lion Dance Cafe Background

Origins and Founding

Lion Dance Cafe was founded by the husband-and-wife team of Marie Chia and Shane Stanbridge, who launched the business with the goal of bringing bold, modern interpretations of Singaporean and Southeast Asian cuisine to the East Bay — entirely plant-based. The couple initially operated as a pop-up before opening their brick-and-mortar location in Oakland in 2020. The restaurant quickly garnered attention for its innovative dishes and commitment to ethical, sustainable food practices.

Their culinary philosophy was deeply rooted in heritage and authenticity, blending traditional flavors with a progressive vegan approach. Marie Chia, who grew up in Singapore, infused familial and cultural elements into the menu, while Shane, a seasoned chef with experience in fine dining, brought technical precision and creativity to the kitchen.

Signature Dishes and Culinary Style

Lion Dance Cafe became known for its unique takes on classic Southeast Asian dishes, such as vegan renditions of laksa, rendang, and shao kao. Their signature "Shaobing Sandwich," a flaky sesame flatbread filled with vibrant vegetables and house-made condiments, became a cult favorite among diners. The menu was seasonal and constantly evolving, reflecting the owners' commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

In addition to food, the restaurant offered thoughtfully curated beverages and a casual, yet intentional, dining atmosphere that reflected the couple’s values of inclusivity and hospitality.

Cultural and Community Significance

From its inception, Lion Dance Cafe was more than just a restaurant — it was a cultural hub for Oakland’s diverse community. The cafe emphasized equity in the food industry, supporting mutual aid efforts and participating in local social justice initiatives. It also provided a space for queer and BIPOC communities to gather, reflecting the founders' commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment.

Their presence in the East Bay’s food scene was seen as a vital voice in redefining what vegan cuisine could be — rich, comforting, and unapologetically flavorful. The restaurant received critical acclaim from both local and national outlets, and was recognized in food publications for its forward-thinking approach to plant-based cooking.

Recognition and Legacy

Lion Dance Cafe was celebrated by the East Bay culinary community and beyond, earning accolades such as a spot on the San Francisco Chronicle's Top 25 Restaurants list. It was also featured in Eater and Bon Appétit, which praised its bold approach to vegan food and its importance in the larger conversation around sustainable and ethical dining.

In 2024, it was honored in the Nosh Awards, a testament to its impact on the East Bay food scene. Even as the announcement of its closure was met with sadness, the response from patrons and peers underscored the deep respect and admiration for what the cafe had accomplished in just a few short years.

The Decision to Close

In March 2024, the owners announced that Lion Dance Cafe would be closing its doors permanently in April. While the reasons behind the decision were not fully detailed, the announcement acknowledged the challenges of sustaining an independent restaurant in the current economic climate. The news was met with an outpouring of support and gratitude from loyal customers, fellow chefs, and community members who had been touched by the cafe’s presence.

Despite its closure, the legacy of Lion Dance Cafe endures as a pioneering force in Oakland’s plant-based culinary scene and a symbol of how food can be a powerful medium for cultural storytelling and social change.

Reasons for Closure

Operational Challenges

One of the primary reasons cited for the closure of Lion Dance Cafe was the immense operational strain placed on its founders, Shane Stanbridge and C-Y Chen. Known for their commitment to authenticity and quality, the couple managed nearly every aspect of the business themselves — from menu creation and sourcing ingredients to cooking, managing service, and handling day-to-day logistics. Over time, this intense level of involvement became unsustainable, particularly in an industry that demands long hours and emotional resilience.

The founders openly shared that the physical and emotional toll of running a restaurant without a large support infrastructure contributed significantly to their decision. In a heartfelt letter to patrons, they mentioned how their dream of creating a community-centered, progressive restaurant had come at the cost of their well-being.

Financial Pressures

While Lion Dance Cafe had received critical acclaim — including being named a semifinalist for the 2023 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: California — financial stability remained elusive. Like many independent restaurants, especially those with a niche focus like vegan Southeast Asian cuisine, the cafe faced rising costs related to labor, ingredients, and rent in the Bay Area.

The lingering economic aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic also played a role. Although the restaurant opened as a pop-up during the pandemic and later transitioned to a brick-and-mortar location, the challenges of operating in a post-pandemic economy — including inflation, supply chain issues, and shifting consumer behaviors — continued to hamper operations.

Burnout and Mental Health

Burnout was a recurring theme in the founders’ reflections on their decision to close. They emphasized the emotional labor involved in running a values-driven restaurant that sought to challenge norms, support marginalized communities, and provide an inclusive space. The cumulative stress of upholding these ideals while managing a small business eventually led to a sense of exhaustion.

This aligns with a broader trend in the hospitality industry, where many chefs and restaurateurs have begun to speak more openly about the mental health challenges endemic to their profession. In this sense, Lion Dance Cafe’s closure adds to a growing conversation around sustainability — not just in food sourcing, but in the lives of those who create and serve that food.

Desire for Creative Evolution

In their farewell message, Stanbridge and Chen also expressed a desire to explore new creative avenues outside the constraints of a traditional restaurant model. While they did not specify exact plans, they hinted at the potential for future projects that could allow for more balance, experimentation, and community impact without the exhaustive demands of daily restaurant operations.

This decision reflects a shift in how chefs and food entrepreneurs are reimagining their roles in the industry — moving away from the grind of brick-and-mortar establishments toward more flexible, purpose-driven endeavors.

Industry-Wide Shifts

Lion Dance Cafe’s closure is emblematic of larger shifts within the restaurant industry, particularly in urban centers like Oakland. As consumer preferences evolve and economic pressures mount, even celebrated establishments are finding it challenging to survive. The closure underscores a reality faced by many independent restaurants: critical acclaim does not always translate to long-term viability.

Moreover, the cafe’s commitment to plant-based, heritage-rooted cuisine placed it both at the forefront of food innovation and in a precarious financial position. While there is growing demand for vegan and culturally conscious dining options, these concepts often operate on thinner margins and face skepticism from mainstream diners, limiting their scalability.

Community-Centered Values

Finally, the decision to close was influenced by the founders' deep respect for their community. Rather than compromise their values or overextend themselves, they chose to close on their own terms, with integrity and transparency. Their farewell emphasized gratitude for the support they had received and hope for future connections, whether through food or other creative endeavors.

This choice illustrates a broader movement within the industry that prioritizes ethical decisions over profit, and well-being over prestige — a model that may inspire others, even as it highlights the inherent difficulties of sustaining such ventures.

Community Reaction to Lion Dance Cafe's Closure

The announcement of Lion Dance Cafe's impending closure in April 2024 sent ripples through Oakland’s vibrant food community. Known for redefining vegan cuisine with its Southeast Asian-inspired menu, the restaurant quickly became a beloved institution—not only among plant-based diners but across a wide spectrum of food enthusiasts. The news sparked an outpouring of emotion from loyal customers, fellow chefs, and food critics alike.

On social media, patrons expressed their gratitude for the restaurant’s role in promoting sustainable eating and cultural authenticity. Many shared memories of their favorite dishes, such as the signature rendang rice plate or the smoky charred cabbage. The cafe's commitment to ethical sourcing and its inclusive, community-first ethos were often highlighted as reasons the eatery held a special place in the city’s heart.

Local chef and restaurateur Bryant Terry called the closure a “huge loss for the Bay Area food scene,” emphasizing that Lion Dance Cafe had achieved the rare feat of being both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. The restaurant’s founders, who are of Chinese-Singaporean descent, had successfully translated their heritage into a modern, accessible, and deeply personal dining experience that resonated widely.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The closure of Lion Dance Cafe is not just a culinary loss—it also underscores broader challenges within the restaurant industry in Oakland. Rising operational costs, staffing shortages, and shifting consumer habits in a post-pandemic economy have left many independent restaurants vulnerable. Lion Dance Cafe’s departure highlights the difficulties even acclaimed establishments face in maintaining sustainability.

Culturally, the cafe served as a touchstone for Asian American and vegan communities alike. It brought visibility to underrepresented cuisines in the vegan space, challenging stereotypes and expanding the definition of what plant-based food could be. Its closure leaves a noticeable gap in the local food narrative, especially for those seeking thoughtful, culturally grounded vegan options.

Community Support and Legacy

In the wake of the announcement, the local community has rallied around Lion Dance Cafe’s team. Pop-ups, collaborative dinners, and farewell events have been proposed by neighboring chefs and restaurants as a way to honor the cafe’s impact and provide transitional support to its founders. The outpouring of solidarity reflects the strong sense of kinship among Oakland’s independent restaurateurs.

Some community members have also expressed hope that the founders might consider future culinary projects or a cookbook to preserve their unique recipes and philosophy. There’s a growing interest in ensuring that the legacy of Lion Dance Cafe continues to inspire a new generation of food entrepreneurs.

Broader Implications for Oakland’s Dining Scene

Lion Dance Cafe’s closure is part of a larger trend of change within Oakland’s culinary identity. As other restaurants open, close, or rebrand, the city’s food landscape is evolving rapidly. The loss of such a pioneering establishment forces a reflection on how to cultivate a more supportive ecosystem for innovative, mission-driven dining ventures.

The community’s strong emotional response to the closure demonstrates that diners are not only invested in the food but in the values and stories behind the food. This moment may well become a catalyst for broader discussions about sustainability, equity, and cultural representation in the restaurant industry.

References

• Berkeleyside Nosh: “Acclaimed vegan restaurant Lion Dance Cafe to close in April”
• East Bay Express: “Lion Dance Cafe Helped Redefine Vegan Cuisine in the Bay Area”
• Instagram and Twitter posts from local chefs and food critics reacting to the closure
• Interviews with community members and former employees shared on social media platforms

  Future of Oakland's Vegan Scene

As Oakland says goodbye to Lion Dance Cafe — one of its most celebrated vegan restaurants — questions naturally arise about the future of the city’s plant-based culinary movement. The closure of such a high-profile establishment is more than a temporary shift in dining options; it reflects broader changes and opportunities in the local food ecosystem.

Adapting to Shifting Consumer Trends

The closure of Lion Dance Cafe, scheduled for April, signals a need for vegan restaurants to adapt to evolving consumer behaviors. Despite growing national interest in plant-based diets, many vegan eateries face challenges such as rising operational costs, shifting customer preferences, and the need for innovative dining experiences. Restaurants will likely need to diversify their offerings, introduce more flexible service models (like pop-ups or collaborative kitchens), and build stronger community engagement to remain viable.

Opportunities for Culinary Innovation

While Lion Dance Cafe’s exit is a loss, it also opens the door for new voices in the vegan culinary space. This transition period could inspire emerging chefs and entrepreneurs to fill the void with innovative concepts that reflect Oakland’s rich cultural diversity. From globally inspired vegan street food to sustainable fine dining, the city remains a fertile ground for experimentation.

Community-Driven Food Initiatives

Oakland has long been a hub for grassroots food movements, and the vegan scene is no exception. With the departure of a cornerstone like Lion Dance Cafe, there is potential for increased collaboration between plant-based businesses, farmers’ markets, and local nonprofits. These partnerships can support emerging vegan ventures, promote food justice, and ensure that plant-based options remain accessible across all communities.

The Role of New and Evolving Establishments

Even as Lion Dance Cafe closes, other parts of Oakland’s dining scene are evolving. New venues like Mushin Sports Lounge and the reopening of Sliver Pizzeria in Uptown bring fresh energy to the city. While not exclusively vegan, these establishments may incorporate more plant-based options in response to demand. Similarly, the opening of the Vinca Minor tasting room adds depth to the local beverage scene — a trend that could intersect with plant-based food pairings and events.

A Resilient and Evolving Future

The end of Lion Dance Cafe marks the close of one chapter but not the end of Oakland’s vegan narrative. The city’s culinary community has proven adaptable, and the demand for sustainable, inclusive, and flavorful plant-based cuisine remains strong. As local entrepreneurs respond to changing conditions, Oakland is poised to redefine what vegan dining looks like in the years to come — with innovation, inclusivity, and community resilience at its core.

The closing of Lion Dance Cafe marks a pivotal moment for Oakland’s vegan and cultural food landscape. While its absence will be deeply felt, the cafe’s impact will resonate through new projects, conversations, and community-driven dining efforts. As the city adapts to post-pandemic realities and economic pressures, Lion Dance Cafe’s legacy may help shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for plant-based cuisine in the Bay Area. Readers and food lovers are encouraged to support local and values-driven restaurants — while keeping an eye out for what’s next from this visionary culinary team.