Happy Dragon Restaurant closed

By Danielle Harrison

Smoke Signals editor

Less than two years after it opened, the Happy Dragon Restaurant has closed its doors.

The family owned and operated eatery, located in Spirit Mountain Casino, closed on April 7, after the casino terminated its working relationship with the business.  

“Spirit Mountain has made the decision to transition to a new Asian food vendor,” Spirit Mountain Casino Chief Executive Officer Camille Mercier said. “This decision was carefully considered and ultimately it was decided that it was not in the best interest of Spirit Mountain to continue a working relationship with Happy Dragon.”

Mercier declined to elaborate on what led to the decision. She added that there is not a date for when a new vendor will open as casino management is still exploring options for the new venue. 

“I appreciate the desire for more information and acknowledge it can be frustrating that it feels like there are elements of the decision that is not shared,” she said. “While we value transparency, certain details are bound by confidentiality. Rest assured, the decision was evaluated by management with expert guidance, prioritizing the best interests of the casino.”

Mercier said that there was no truth to the rumors of an FBI investigation into the business.

“To address any concerns regarding the rumor of a FBI investigation, our gaming commission's executive director has confirmed that there's not a FBI investigation and the executive team at SMC can confirm that there has been no contact with the FBI on this issue.”

Happy Dragon was one of several new dining options at the casino that began in 2022, including Italian restaurant Amore, the 10 Barrel Brewing Hop Yard and the Mexican-style restaurant Jalapenos.

Owner and head chef LiNan Feng graduated from Taishan Culinary School in China and completed an internship as a master chef at Nan Hai Yu Cun Restaurant and Hotel in Guangzhou in Canton, China. He also has worked at Saigon Chinese Restaurant and Foshan Restaurant in Canton, as well.

He opened the first Happy Dragon location in 2013 in Portland, managed by his daughter, Emily. The second location at Spirit Mountain Casino was managed by his sons, Chris and Ben. The Portland location is still open.