Families across Cannon Hill are sharing their favourite memories of Billy Wong, the beloved restaurant owner whose kindness was as famous as his signature Peking duck.
The Cannon Hill community is mourning the loss of Billy Wong, the charismatic founder of Billy’s Pine and Bamboo who transformed a quiet industrial pocket into a premier destination for authentic Cantonese dining.
From Hong Kong to Brisbane
The Wong family moved to Australia in the early 1990s with a background in food manufacturing. Taking over a restaurant in an industrial area was a gamble at the time, but the patriarch remained clinical in his confidence even as the suburb shifted from industrial sites to commercial hubs.
His son, Kim Wong, noted that his father’s persistence paid off as local diners began to move beyond basic takeaway options to explore a more complex menu featuring hundreds of different dishes.
A Home Away from Home
For many residents, the restaurant was more than a business; it felt like an extension of the founder’s own home. Patrons who first visited as children in the 1990s remember him as a true gentleman who ran through the dining room with a constant smile. He was known for his meticulous standards, believing that only the freshest authentic food was good enough for his guests. Whether he was toasting every table during enormous Chinese New Year celebrations or chatting about his love of golf, he made every visitor feel like a member of the family.
Signature Flavours and Community Ties
Known for his signature suspenders and energetic personality, the restaurateur became a local icon. The restaurant gained a reputation for traditional Peking duck, which requires days of preparation and is carved at the table in the traditional style.
This dedication to quality earned the respect of prominent chefs across the city and created a loyal following of families who have visited the establishment for over three decades. Regulars often recalled his humorous interactions, including his tendency to light-heartedly advise customers against over-ordering.
Tributes from the Dining Room
The news of his passing brought a wave of grief from the community, with many patrons describing him as a legendary figure in the local food scene. Long-time customers shared stories of visiting the restaurant for over 30 years, often considering a meal at Billy’s a staple of their family life.
One particular memory shared by diners involved his playful personality, such as the time he jokingly told a pair of friends they were ordering too much duck for just two people. Others expressed their sadness at missing the chance for one last chat with the man they considered an iconic presence in the dining room.
A Private Farewell and a Future Promise
While the founder faced a long battle with cancer, he maintained a positive outlook and continued to visit his staff even when he could no longer work on the floor. He requested a small, private funeral to avoid causing distress to his many friends and customers. In response to the news, the family plans to host a special memorial evening at the restaurant to allow the community to pay their respects. His son confirmed that the business remains a central part of the family’s future and will continue to operate as a tribute to his father’s hard work and character.
Published Date 12-March-2026
