By Brian Hoop
The Decoy Restaurant was packed November 18 to bid farewell to Peter and Jan Li who retired after 20 years owning the local establishment known by many as the “living room of Linnton.” Both put in many hours keeping the restaurant hopping. They were loved by the community and will be missed.
The new owners, Jeff and Chelsea Hamilton, are excited about the opportunity to carry on a community favorite and welcome all to stop by. The sale closed on September 27 and the new owners opened back up the next day, September 28, twenty years to the day since Peter and Jan took over in 2003.
Chelsea brings 25 years’ experience in the restaurant industry previously with the Olive Garden and the Dockside Steak and Pasta in St. Helens. Jeff also owns a floor covering business and they reside in St. Helens.
“We are proud of the employees,” says Jeff. “All stayed on through the transition. We encourage everyone to check us out.”
(L-R) Peter and Jan Li, Chelsea and Jeff Hamilton, November 2023, Photo credit: Jeff Hamilton.
For a bit of history, Peter and Jan had purchased the business from Una Taylor who bought the building in 1978. According to Jeff, the original one-story building was built in 1910. Second story apartments were added in 1984. The bar half of The Decoy was added in 1994. The building is still owned by the children of Una Taylor.
The Decoy is located at 10710 NW St. Helens Rd. Call in your orders to 503-286-2655 and show them some Linnton love!
To learn more: Business Spotlight: The Decoy, Linnton newsletter, Oct, 25, 2020 – Go to: https://tinyurl.com/yvr4bhz6
The Decoy: The ‘living room of Linnton’ under new owners, The Chronicle, Oct 26, 2023 – Go to: https://tinyurl.com/58e2655a