Salem Lowe Co.

Abstract

Fred W. Yee opened Salem Lowe Co. at 228 Essex Street in 1912. The restaurant specialized in authentic Chinese cuisine and American fare. In the 1930s, Salem Lowe’s downtown location moved across Townhouse Square from Essex Street to 114 Washington Street. That same decade, Salem Lowe Co. opened a seasonal lunch stand in the Salem Willows, which quickly became renowned for serving chop suey sandwiches. After more than 20 years on Washington Street, the downtown location closed its doors for good. The Willows location remained open seasonally until August 2022, when David Yee retired and sold the property. When Salem Lowe closed, the restaurant had been in business for 110 years.