a pet store in Chinatown has been around for two generations the owner says it's his life's work but now he's at the end of his leash and he's ready to give the business away for free but as itaihad reports this is a tale that has a twist [Music] you could say talking to reporters isn't exactly John Chan's favorite thing I'm not good on camera but when it comes to animals not only can he talks they actually listen hello and why wouldn't they since he was little he spent every spare moment at his
father's store in Chinatown called pet Central after his dad retired John took over tending to exotic pets from birds to reptiles to fish when you come to the store and you see all the animals looking for you you know dancing in front of you that's the most important moment for more than 40 years he's been working 10 hours a day six days a week never taking so much as a couple of days vacation but now at 58 he's looking to retire and spend more time with the family which is why recently he post
ed an ad on social media looking for someone to take over the business the ad read looking for someone who loves animals asking price zero dollars which brings us back to the store and the most burning question why we are not trying to make money on the pet store I really found a good people and a good people with a good heart take good care of an animal that's the most important it's not completely free while John says the business is worth about three hundred thousand dollars he's hoping to re
coup the inventory which is about half that oh pesto is liquid life you know it's pretty pretty fun he says the idea is to find someone who'll take care of his beloved animals and loyal customers Andrew Brown one of his regulars says this is the end of an era I can only say it's very iconic of him as for John he's already making plans for the future take a long time vacation maybe a couple weeks maybe a month but first quite literally he has to give away the store John tells you tie he still has
n't found the right candidate but he's already got a few people asking
Comments
That's dedication and passion right there. Born and raised with the shop, then gets to take over and run it for 40 years. And for all those years, being commended by the community for a job well done. Legendary is an understatement.
We need more humans and animal lovers like this in the world 🙏💜
Respect for his passion n love for animals
That's a kinda scary thing to dive into. The non-living inventory might not be a big deal, but dealing with living animals that eat, sleep, drink, and poop doesn't offer any days off. You would have to really LOVE it. Even him saying "I'll probably take a LONG vacation. . . like two weeks..." LOL. It's a lifestyle more than a job.
Bless his way of living. He knows what's important. He's not giving it away to just anyone; whoever buys the inventory will be serious enough to want it. And after dealing with people for so long, he'll be able to read anyone's character and spirit. He also cares enough about himself to retire when he's still healthy and can do other things.
What a kind man God bless him for caring for his animals and his customers enjoy your vacation 😍
I've been here more than a few times. It's slightly out of the way off the busy streets of Stockton, but its always so nice to see the local pet store after lunch.
I'm shocked no one robbed his business in San Francisco! May all the good karma in the universe go to this man!
Awe, I really hope that they find someone who is as passionate as he is to take over. And I wish him the merriest retirement. He deserves it!
I both love and feel heart broken about this story. I hope and pray he finds wonderful people to take over and care for the animals and customers for year to come. ❤❤❤❤
Mr Chan I DO hope someone comes forward that's not only got the cash and willingness to take over but that theyre also just as qualified and dedicated to caring for the beings you have on your hands there. Not JUST ANYBODY knows what it really takes to take care of a pet store.
hope an animal-lover full of passion and life discovers this offer! :)
my mom gave away her business as well. the rent was too much and business slow. but my mom is older and really passionate but couldnt open for so many days anymore. she just retired and a younger new immigrant took over and is successful ! happy retirement sir! thank u for entertaining so many children in chinatown!
Beautiful pets..someone please take over. Don't let it shut down.
We need more humans and animal lovers like this in the world. What a kind man God bless him for caring for his animals.
That must be that pet store on Broadway Street. That's the only pet store I've ever noticed in SF Chinatown. I haven't visited there I'm probably a decade. Congrats to the owner. Hope he finds a good person and enjoys his retirement.
A very stand up business. I actually went to school with his brother Peter and knew Terry. This business is part of the Chinatown community for decades. They first opened on Pacific Avenue, then twice on Broadway then to their current Powell Street store. John, you’ve deserve your retirement…good luck
One of the few people left in the world with wholesome intentions. All these riots and fatherless behavior in the 20th century has been awful hope nothing bad happens to him
I know this gentleman and my sons have been lucky enough to know this man. As well as learn about theany animals from him..we lived on 4th and Geary. As a single mom I couldn't always afford the childrens museum or the SF Zoo. Yet we were always welcome at this amazing man's store. Priceless memories were created by gim for us for no cost other than the joy of sharing his family's paassion and our company. If I could have afforded to stay in the city and pay for the inventory I would have happily made this lifes work and share with others. He annd this is the Mr. Magoriams Wonder Emporium of animals. Please someone rise to this occasion. It's worth it.
This man has true compassion for animals!