Brielle Meyer

^{Photo credit: WZZM 13}

The South Korean-born entrepreneur owned three popular Grand Rapids establishments, Winchester, Donkey and Hancock, in the Wealthy Street corridor.

Note: This is a story I wrote for WZZM 13 in May of 2025. The original can be found here.

Paul Holman Thieu Poa Lee, a prominent restaurateur who helped revitalize Grand Rapids’ East Hills neighborhood, died Saturday at his home. He was 51.

Lee died peacefully surrounded by family after a nine-year battle with cancer, according to his obituary.

The South Korean-born entrepreneur owned three popular Grand Rapids establishments, Winchester, Donkey and Hancock, that transformed the city’s Wealthy Street corridor into a dining destination.

“Paul has long planted his roots in Grand Rapids and made it a personal mission to alter and impact the restaurant scene,” read a statement posted to his restaurants’ social media accounts. “His love for adventure, food and travel is clearly defined within his legacy on Wealthy Street.”

Born in Seoul on June 7, 1973, Lee was adopted at age 3 by Arnold and Kristin Lee following his birth mother’s death. He grew up in East Grand Rapids, graduating from East Grand Rapids High School before attending Western Michigan University.

Lee’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged when he became involved with the East Hills Council of Neighbors, contributing to neighborhood revitalization efforts before launching his restaurants with his wife, Jessica.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Lee was known for his sharp humor, adventurous spirit and passion for cycling. Friends and family noted he never allowed his 2016 cancer diagnosis to define him, continuing to support other survivors while living life to the fullest.

Lee is survived by his wife, Jessica; three sons, Oscar, 13, Harvey, 11, and Otis, 9; his parents; and eight siblings.

A funeral service will be held Thursday at St. Thomas the Apostle in Grand Rapids, with visitation scheduled for Wednesday at Zaagman Memorial Chapel. A celebration of life is planned for May 16 at Eastern Avenue Hall.

The family requests donations to START Midwest Center for Cancer Research in lieu of flowers.