STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Jade Island, the iconic Polynesian restaurant in New Springville, has signed a new lease—quelling rumors that the beloved Staten Island eatery was preparing to close. The deal also means longtime owner John Yip isn’t retiring anytime soon.
Yip, who began working at Jade Island in 1986 and took over management in 1994, has spent more than 40 years in the restaurant business. Despite gentle nudges from his wife to consider retirement, he says he’s not going anywhere.
“I enjoy my job, so I keep the happiness here. I don’t want to retire,” Yip said with a smile.“No one else still serves drinks in pineapples,” he added. “Maybe they’re still doing that in San Francisco—but we’re always doing it here.”
Jade Island even gained national attention when the late Anthony Bourdain filmed an episode of No Reservations there with Staten Island native, the late David Johansen of the New York Dolls. The booth where the two legends sat remains a popular request among diners eager to relive the moment or share it with new generations.
The restaurant’s customer base stretches far beyond Staten Island. Yip recalled a tradition from about 15 years ago when busloads of customers would arrive from Manhattan the Saturday before Mother’s Day.
“It was something to see—a whole table filled with drinks served in fresh pineapples,” he said, laughing.
Even former Staten Islanders who’ve relocated to Florida and South Carolina make annual visits back to Jade Island.
“They still come to my restaurant. Some food—the egg roll, the noodles, the fresh drinks we make—it brings people back,” Yip said.
In 2012, Jade Island came close to losing its lease—a fate that had already claimed neighboring Golden’s Deli. But thanks to hundreds of calls from loyal customers to landlord Kimco Realty, the beloved restaurant secured its future.
Today, Jade Island continues to serve its signature Hunan and Polynesian dishes while making subtle updates to its interior, including new carpeting. The cozy bar—with its starfish-embossed lighting fixtures, blowfish pendulum lights, and flaming pu-pu platters—remains part of the experience that has made Jade Island a cherished destination for dates, proposals, family dinners, and celebrations.
With a new lease in place and no plans for retirement, Jade Island remains a vibrant part of Staten Island’s culinary landscape—still flaming, still festive, and still full of memories.
Fans on social media were quick to celebrate the news, sharing memories like these: “One of our favorites… back in the years I lived on Staten Island (1963–2007). We had many enjoyable meals at this restaurant. I currently live in New Jersey.”
Another wrote: “We lived in Staten Island for 23 years before moving to Florida. No other Chinese restaurant could compare with their food. Now my grandchildren bring their children there to enjoy the food, atmosphere, and friendly service.”
And one more: “Do you know I lived on Staten Island for almost 60 years, born and raised, and I’d never gone there—until about a month ago. It was so good, and the place is so beautiful.”