DOMINION CAFE. This building was the former home of the Dominion Cafe, which was operated for many years by the Yee-Wing family, one of the first Chinese families to develop a business in Banff. Yee Sing and his young son Fred Yee Wing arrived in Banff in 1921 and opened their first cafe at Caribou Street and Banff Avenue. In 1923, Yee Sing purchased the current property, and converted the building into a restaurant with two dining rooms, counter seating for twenty, and Chinese lanterns decorating the interior. When Yee Sing returned to China in 1948, his son Fred took over ownership and operated the cafe with his wife Edith. In 1949, Fred renovated the Cafe, creating a central door and two large show windows, and adding a Rundle-rock facade that remains today. Two neon signs advertising "Fountain Drinks" and "Chinese Dishes" were also added. Throughout its history, the Cafe played an important role in the Banff community. The Wings hosted a yearly "town dinner" for local residents, volunteered at the Rundle United Church, and were proud supporters of the Winter Carnival. Part of their Winter Carnival contributions included coordinating a Chinese New Year's "lion dance". They also purchased and shipped fireworks from China for Victoria Day celebrations. The Dominion Cafe closed in 1967 when Fred became ill. In 1968 he passed away, and Edith moved with their four children; Carol, Paul, Brian and Donald to Calgary in 1970. The building currently operates as a gift shop.
