The Bethesda Crab House is mourning the loss of longtime employee Yen Lee, who passed away on October 17, 2026, at the age of 55. Lee spent more than 35 years working at the landmark Bethesda restaurant, where he served customers, cooked, and worked alongside the Vechery family.
In a tribute shared by the restaurant, Bethesda Crab House remembered Lee for his humor, love of sports, fishing stories, restaurant recommendations, and the relationships he built with customers and coworkers over the decades.
“We will miss his jokes, his sharing of smokes, leaving his coke cans at the bar, his excitement over trying new restaurants and dining holes,” the restaurant wrote, also recalling his live crab demonstrations for children and his familiar spot at the restaurant.
Acclaimed chef José Andrés also shared a tribute after learning of Lee’s passing. Andrés said he had called Lee while on his way to Bethesda Crab House, only to learn from the restaurant that his friend had died.
“He was a super nice guy! Mr. crab expert,” Andrés wrote. “Please hug everyone always! Smile at them Always…..Be nice always…you never know when is the last time you hug them.”
Bethesda Crab House, established in 1961 by Henry Vechery and later taken over by his son Donald, has been a longtime fixture in the community. Lee worked alongside the family for more than three decades and became a familiar face to generations of customers. The restaurant said details about a celebration of Lee’s life will be announced soon. In the meantime, it is encouraging customers and community members to share their favorite memories, jokes, and stories about Lee, which will be passed along to his family.
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