James Chiu, co-founder of Mandarin restaurant chain, dies at 78

James Chiu, the president and cofounder of the Mandarin restaurant chain, has died at age 78 after a battle with pulmonary fibrosis, his family said. He died on Wednesday, just days after his birthday. Chiu helped turn a small Brampton Chinese restaurant into a major Ontario buffet chain. He moved to Ontario in 1979 with his wife and daughter and, with family and a friend, bought the restaurant that became Mandarin. The business later expanded across the province and became known for its buffet model, themed promotions and community events. Born in Taiwan and raised partly in Montreal after immigrating to Canada in 1963, Chiu first studied business at Concordia University and later opened a restaurant of his own. His family and Mandarin said he was also known for community support, including scholarships and charity work. He is survived by his wife, three children and seven grandchildren.