Antonio Chi Su was a Mexican-Chinese entrepreneur who became well known in Mexico City for his successful restaurant on Avenida Bucareli and for his marriage to actress and vedette Lyn May. His life reflected the blending of two cultures, showing how Chinese and Mexican traditions could come together in food, art, and community. Beyond running a business, Antonio supported young chefs, promoted cultural exchange, and inspired others with his resilience, especially during his battle with cancer. Although he passed away in 2008 at the age of fifty-nine, his story continues to be remembered as one of dedication, strength, and a legacy built on unity and kindness.
Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antonio Chi Su |
| Heritage | Mexican-Chinese |
| Birthplace | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Restaurateur, Artist |
| Known For | Founder of a Chinese-Mexican fusion restaurant on Avenida Bucareli |
| Spouse | Lyn May (Mexican vedette and actress) |
| Children | Not publicly known / no verified information |
| Age at Death | 59 years old |
| Physical Appearance | Calm and friendly presence, often dressed in simple and neat clothing |
| Health Challenges | Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 |
| Cause of Death | Prostate cancer (passed away in 2008) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $1.5 million at the time of death |
| Legacy | Cultural bridge through food, art, mentorship, and community contributions |
Early Life and Family Background
Antonio Chi Su was born in Mexico City to a family of Chinese immigrants, and from the beginning, his life was shaped by two different cultures that blended into one unique identity. While public records do not reveal details about his parents or siblings, it is clear that his family background gave him strong values of discipline, respect, and hard work rooted in Chinese tradition, while the Mexican environment around him added warmth, creativity, and openness.
Growing up during a time when Mexico was becoming increasingly diverse, Antonio learned to see cultural differences not as obstacles but as strengths, and this perspective later defined his work as a businessman, restaurateur, and cultural bridge between communities.
Starting as a Businessman
Antonio Chi Su began his path as a businessman through small ventures where he learned the value of hard work and how to deal with everyday challenges in Mexico City. Instead of depending only on formal schooling, he gained most of his knowledge from real-life experience, watching how businesses worked, listening to mentors, and adapting to the needs of different customers. These early steps taught him how to be flexible, how to serve people with respect, and how to turn challenges into opportunities, lessons that later helped him create his well-known restaurant on Avenida Bucareli.
Opening the Bucarelli Restaurant
In the late 1980s, Antonio Chi Su opened his Chinese-Mexican restaurant on Avenida Bucareli in Mexico City, a busy street known for its history, offices, cafés, and the famous Chinese Clock that symbolizes ties between Mexico and China. His idea was simple but powerful—combine authentic Chinese recipes with Mexican flavors and ingredients to create food that felt both familiar and new. The restaurant quickly became popular, not just for its tasty dishes but also as a place where people from different backgrounds could meet, making it more than just a business and turning it into a cultural meeting point in the heart of the city.
Relationship and Marriage with Lyn May
Antonio Chi Su was married to Lyn May, the celebrated Mexican vedette and actress, and their relationship became one of the most defining aspects of his personal life. Their union in the late 1980s brought together two contrasting worlds—his quiet strength as a businessman and her fame as a performer—but the partnership was built on mutual respect, love, and teamwork.
Together, they managed a restaurant on Avenida Bucareli that reflected both of their identities, turning it into a cultural space where different communities came together. Lyn May has often spoken about Antonio with deep affection, describing him as her greatest love, and after his death in 2008, she openly shared how much his loss shaped her life.
Who Is Lyn May?
Lyn May is a famous Mexican vedette, actress, and dancer who rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as one of the most recognized figures in Mexico’s cabaret and film scene. Born as Lilia Mendiola de Chi in Acapulco, Guerrero, she became known for her beauty, charisma, and daring performances that made her a central figure in the era of Mexican cabaret theater and films often referred to as “cine de ficheras.”
Over the years, Lyn May built a reputation not only as an entertainer but also as a cultural icon whose influence extended beyond the stage, and her long career has kept her in the public eye. Her marriage to Antonio Chi Su added another layer to her story, connecting her personal life to the world of food and cultural exchange in Mexico City.
Children of Antonio Chi Su
There is no public record or confirmed information about Antonio Chi Su having children, as most details about his personal life remain private. What is widely known focuses mainly on his marriage to Lyn May and their shared restaurant business on Avenida Bucareli. Because of this, it is believed that Antonio preferred to keep family matters away from the spotlight, and no reliable sources mention him raising children or leaving direct descendants.
His Work in Food and Culture
Antonio Chi Su made important contributions by using food as a way to connect Mexican and Chinese traditions. Through his restaurant, he introduced a unique mix of flavors that blended both cuisines, giving customers a new dining experience while respecting authenticity. He also supported young chefs by sharing his knowledge and encouraging them to explore both cultures in their cooking. Beyond the kitchen, Antonio helped organize cultural festivals and promoted sustainable business practices, showing that his work was not only about running a restaurant but also about building understanding and respect between communities.
His Artistic Side
Besides being a businessman, Antonio Chi Su also enjoyed expressing himself through art, where he often mixed Mexican and Chinese symbols to reflect his heritage and identity. His artwork carried themes of cultural fusion and personal expression, showing how two traditions could come together in creative ways. Some of his pieces were displayed in local exhibitions and public spaces, allowing people to see another side of his talent beyond the restaurant. Through his art, Antonio shared the same message he carried in his business—that diversity and cultural blending are sources of beauty and strength.
Hard Times and Strength
Antonio Chi Su faced many difficulties during his life, especially in the 1990s when Mexico went through a tough economic crisis that forced many businesses to close. Instead of giving up, he adjusted his menu, kept prices fair, and found ways to keep customers coming back, which showed his ability to adapt. Later, in 2004, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, a challenge that tested his strength, yet he continued to manage his restaurant and support his staff while fighting the illness. His courage and determination during these hard times became an example of resilience for everyone around him.
His Illness and Death
In 2004, Antonio Chi Su was diagnosed with prostate cancer, a serious illness that brought many challenges to his daily life and work. Despite the difficult treatments, he continued to stay active in his restaurant and remained close to his community, showing great strength and dedication. After four years of battling the disease, he sadly passed away in 2008 at the age of fifty-nine. His death was a deep loss for his wife Lyn May, his family, and the many people who admired him, but his courage and positive spirit left behind an inspiring memory.
His Legacy and Impact
Antonio Chi Su is remembered as a man who built bridges between cultures through food, art, and community support. His restaurant on Avenida Bucareli became more than a business; it was a meeting place where Chinese and Mexican traditions came together. He also left a mark by guiding young chefs, supporting cultural festivals, and promoting respect for diversity. Even after his passing in 2008, his vision continues through the memories of his restaurant, the influence on those he mentored, and the lasting example of how kindness, resilience, and cultural fusion can make a difference in a community.
Net Worth and Public Perception
Reports estimate that Antonio Chi Su had a net worth of around 1.5 million dollars at the time of his death, though such figures are not officially documented and should be viewed as approximations rather than definitive facts. What is more important than financial numbers is the public perception of Antonio as a man who lived with integrity and generosity. His story was not about luxury but about dedication, about running a restaurant that welcomed everyone, and about maintaining values in the face of difficulty. To those who knew him or read about him, he was not defined by wealth but by the positive mark he left on people and on the cultural life of Mexico City.
What We Learn from His Life
Antonio Chi Su’s story teaches us that embracing different cultures can create something unique and valuable, as shown in his mix of Chinese and Mexican food. He showed that resilience is essential, finding ways to keep moving forward during financial struggles and even while facing illness.
His life also proves that businesses can be more than places to make money—they can become safe spaces for people, support young talent, and bring communities closer together. By mentoring others and sharing what he knew, Antonio left an example that success comes not only from personal effort but also from helping others grow.
Conclusion
Antonio Chi Su’s life reminds us that true impact comes from blending cultures, facing challenges with courage, and creating spaces where people feel welcome. Through his restaurant on Avenida Bucareli, his marriage with Lyn May, and his dedication to mentoring others, he left behind more than just a business—he built a legacy of unity, resilience, and cultural pride. Even after his passing in 2008, his story continues to inspire, showing that success is not measured only by wealth but by the positive difference we leave in our communities.
FAQs About Antonio Chi Su
1. Who was Antonio Chi Su?
Antonio Chi Su was a Mexican-Chinese entrepreneur best known for his restaurant on Avenida Bucareli in Mexico City and for being the husband of actress Lyn May.
2. What was Antonio Chi Su known for?
He was known for blending Chinese and Mexican flavors in his restaurant, creating a cultural meeting place that became popular with locals and visitors.
3. Was Antonio Chi Su married?
Yes, he was married to Lyn May, the famous Mexican vedette and actress, and together they built a restaurant that reflected both of their identities.
4. How did Antonio Chi Su die?
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 and passed away in 2008 at the age of 59 after a four-year battle with the illness.
5. What is Antonio Chi Su’s legacy?
His legacy lives on through his restaurant, his role in promoting cultural exchange, his support for young chefs, and his lasting impact on Mexico City’s community.