James Chiu, the president and co-founder of Mandarin who turned a humble Brampton restaurant into Ontario’s most popular all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet chain, has died.

Chiu died on Wednesday, just days after his 78th birthday, after battling pulmonary fibrosis, his family said.

“He lived with positivity and gratitude until his peaceful passing,” the family wrote in an online tribute.

He was a “true restaurant icon,” Mandarin said in a social media post.

“James leaves an indelible mark on the hospitality industry,” it said. “His vision for exceptional food and genuine customer service will live on, inspiring generations to come.”

Chiu and his parents immigrated to Montreal from Taiwan in 1963, his family said in a tribute. He launched his first restaurant, Sweet `N Sour, after studying business at Concordia University.

“What began as a means for survival, transformed into a lifelong love of hospitality,” his family said.

Chiu moved to Ontario with his wife and daughter in 1979. He and his co-founders — his brother George, sister-in-law Diana and friend K.C. Chang — purchased a small Chinese restaurant in Brampton called Mandarin.

At first, the restaurant only offered à la carte, takeout and delivery meals, its website says. But through the 1980s it began to expand to meet growing demand, eventually changing to the buffet concept.

Known for its blue sky murals, iconic panda-themed promotions and hours-long lines for its free Canada Day meals, the buffet restaurant now has 29 locations across Ontario and employs more than 3,000 people, the restaurant said.

WATCH | Customers bid farewell to midtown Mandarin:

Customers bid farewell to midtown Mandarin after 34 years in business

Crowds gathered over the weekend for one last meal at the Mandarin in Toronto’s Yonge and Eglinton area. CBC’s Gabriela Silva Ponte explains why the restaurant is closing after 34 years in business.

The restaurant chain also noted various community contributions, including student scholarships and charity support, by Chiu and the Mandarin team over the course of 40 years.

“By teaching and leading by example, [Chiu] showed his family the value of hard work, determination and resilience,” the online tribute said.

Chiu received several accolades during his career, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Award and the lifetime achievement award from the City of Brampton.

He leaves behind his wife, three children and seven grandchildren, the tribute said.

Chiu’s family said he lived a “full and vibrant life” and will be remembered for his wit, wisdom and warmth.

“The world has lost a devoted champion of people and community,” the tribute said.