6/29/2023 0 Comments House of hong seattle dim sum menuThis may be the last generation the restaurant will be owned and operated by the family. ``It was a rough beginning,'' Hugo recalls. Then House of Hong had a $200,000 arson fire. That February was the nearby Wah Mee Club Massacre, which scared some patrons. They moved to the present location and opened the House of Hong in 1983. Restaurant history: The family ran the Atlas Restaurant at Maynard and Jackson from 1956 to 1982. When the communists took over in 1950, Louie Hong and his wife came to the United States. Mon Faye was born in Canton Province, the other children here. After working for a few years, he returned to China and wed Shau Fong Louie. Family history: Louie Hong emigrated here about 60 years ago. ``You could say we're the stereotypical family,'' Hugo says. Though Mon, James, Susan and Hugo have worked in other fields, they always have been drawn back to the restaurant. Hugo Louie, is vice president and assistant manager, and also works as a chef. Susan Hong Louie Woo, works in the kitchen. James Louie, assistant manager, handles the restaurant at night. Mon's wife, Janie, is the restaurant's secretary-treasurer and hostess. The family: Mon Faye Hong, the oldest son, is president and head chef. His wife, Shau Fong Louie, often helps make dim sum in the kitchen. The family patriarch, who died at age 78 in November, worked until he became ill last August. When asked how he feels about not having to run the restaurant, Tan said, “Freedom.- Who they are: The family of the late Louie Hong operates the House of Hong restaurant at 409 Eighth Ave. Tan has been a constant supporter for many community groups and charitable functions, including Japan’s tsunami benefit dinner, which raised over $70,000. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have lasted that long.” He said, “I can absorb the loss since I own another wholesale food business. Known for his generosity, Tan said he has been losing money since he took over Hong 10 years ago. They pretended to be customers, ordered food, used the restroom, and then left. Nelson said some homeless folks have used the restroom in Hong. “Who wants to eat here (with those tents nearby)?” he asked. “Wages and costs are high, and it’s tough to be next to the many homeless tents (under the freeway),” said Nelson. He was one of the original staff members when the restaurant first opened in 1983. “It’s a tough business to run a restaurant in Chinatown,” said waiter Nelson, who didn’t want to reveal his last name. He said he and the other side are happy with the result. Lee would not disclose the amount for buying back the business. Lee plans to reopen the restaurant on Aug. The restaurant will be temporarily closed for remodeling. Lee called the Northwest Asian Weekly on July 12 and said he plans to buy back Hong. Lee bought both the property and business from founder Faye Hong. The new owner is Po Lee, who owned the House of Hong a decade ago. Owner Tan Tho Tien hosted two dinners on July 10 and 11, one for community leaders to thank them for their support over the years and the other for old and new staff members. As of July 13, the sign was changed to say they are closed for remodeling. When our editor walked by on July 12, the sign at the Hong’s door read, “We are closed.” The lights were out. Lights out at the House of Hong (Photo by Ruth Bayang/NWAW)Īfter two farewell dinners, the House of Hong Restaurant, once an institution in Chinatown and the favorite eatery of many, closed its doors on July 11.
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