Photo courtesy Royal China.
This year, Royal China celebrates its 50th anniversary, coinciding with the Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday, Feb. 10.
Established in 1974 by World War II veteran Shu-Chang “Buck” Kao, the restaurant in Preston Royal Village quickly became a family business when Buck’s son, George, and his wife April joined the team.
“We never thought that it would be this crazy busy restaurant,” April said. “The community has been supportive of us for over 50 years. They’re like family to us.”
Specializing in modern interpretations of American-Chinese cuisine, Royal China offers handmade noodles and a variety of dumplings at their dumpling bar, a feature added during the 2008 renovation.
Some new menu items might be coming soon to commemorate the big year, but the ideas are still turning, April said.
Photo courtesy Royal China.
Over the years, Royal China has welcomed visitors like the Cowboys team and former President George W. Bush.
“He was so gracious and so nice,” April said about Bush visiting. “He came once before he was president when he was the governor and he’s always lived in the neighborhood.”
Since their first day at the restaurant, they’ve spent nearly every single day there open to close.
As part of their Chinese New Year celebration, Royal China hosts a lion dance performance, a tradition marking the start of the 15-day festival. This year, the Year of the Dragon, last seen in 2012, will be commemorated with a special lion performance at 6:30 p.m.
