UH declines to renew popular restaurant's lease

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- After 26 years in business, a University of Houston institution is shutting down.

Chinese Star Restaurant will close on December 17th after the university declined to renew its lease.

The owner, Priscilla Yang, moved to Houston from Taiwan nearly 40 years ago. She didn't speak any English, but has learned from students who come to the restaurant.

"Every day I talk to young people," Yang laughed. "I look young."

University officials say the building needs to be upgraded. Aramark, the company that runs nearly all restaurants on campus, will manage whatever opens in Chinese Star's place.

The university has hired a consultant and reached out to students to determine new dining options.

A petition to keep the restaurant open has already gotten nearly 1,500 signatures.