When talking about the Silver Dragon Restaurant's history we have to pay homage to a number of family members and a number of restaurants owned by the family in the past.

The Golden Lights family hails from China and Vietnam. The family began in the food business in Saigon City, VIetnam, where they ran a small noodle stand on a push-cart for many years.

In 1983, under a previous ownership, the Golden Lights Restaurant was opened at 4150 NW 16th Blvd in Gainesville, in the Millhopper Plaza. Seven years later, in 1990, the previous owner retired, at which time we purchased the restaurant. Golden Lights even included a small bar with a good selection of alcoholic beverages to choose from - beer, wine, and even a number of specialty mixed drinks. Over the many years that Golden Lights remained in business, it was one of the few good asian cuisine restaurants in town. We took great pride in our business, and developed a reputation for good quality food, very reasonable pricing, a nice, relaxing atmosphere, and with a very open and polite staff. The restaurant remained opened for a period of 17 more years.

In the meantime, in 1995, other family members opened up a restaurant on the east side of town called the Silver Dragon Restaurant. It was located at 1800 NE 23rd Blvd, and operated until 1999 - a period of about four years.

Between the families, here in America, we have over 21 years of combined experience in asian and american cooking.

In 2007, the family closed the doors of Golden Lights so that we could spend some time with family and friends here in America and abroad. We kept in touch with our customer fan base, however, and we were sure to drop hint that we were definitely thinking of reopening again at some future time.

After a year-and-a-half vacation, the family opened a new restaurant. This time it was again called the Silver Dragon Restaurant. The new restaurant is now located at 4870 NW 39th Ave, in the Magnolia Parke plaza, in Gainesville. Opening day was on October 11th.

As well, other family members even opened up a nail salon next door called Lovely Nails, in Suite # 3 (Tel: 352-337-8312). Feel free to drop by while you're there!

So spread the word. We're back; and we look forward to serving Gainesville residents again!

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