Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2023
When Family Chow Mein opened in 1986 in Shakopee, people had more than 105 dishes to try.
On September 22, 1986, the new owners, Tieu Ky, Sam Ky, Van Vuong, and Hong Khong opened the restaurant on the north side of First Avenue. For the first two weeks, the four men closed the restaurant to do some remodeling. According to Sam, one change was to expand the menu to pick from a much wider variety of dishes, according to the October 15, 1986 Shakopee Valley News.
The food gave the customers a chance to choose food that ranges from mild to very spicy. “Some of the dishes are served on a hot plate in front of the customers, which added a touch of elegance to the meat. Dishes served in front of the customers include chicken in orange flavor, seafood, combinations with sizzling sauce, and mandarin chicken,” said the article.
The customers at Family Chow Mein still allowed buffet style at lunch, and it all cost only $4.75 in 1986.
When remodeling the restaurant, the owners added a sparkling new high-power jet range which came from New York. Sam noted that it would give customers faster service. “The heat power is the key … the hotter, the better. The flavors can increase.”
Tieu, Sam, Van, and Hong believed that customers should feel at home when they are dining at Family Chow Mein. “Most customers like to feel at home, like ‘that’s my kitchen,’” said Sam. “We do our best to create a service to satisfy the customers.”
The owners wanted to get to know the people, and to greet them when they come in, just like neighbors. Sam noted that he wanted the place to be both a business, as well as a place where friends can come.
He would help customers with any questions they had. Sam will explain the ingredients in the dishes as well as telling people how each dish is cooked. And, of course, the owners were also willing to tell how each dish would taste.
The owners also think communicating with the customers is very important. They want customers to know that the staff at Family Chow Mein think of each other as friends and neighbors.
Takeout continued, with delivery in Shakopee and Chaska every evening.
Family Chow Mein was torn down when the city of Shakopee tore down two blocks of the north side of First Avenue. Businesses were added to the first level, while apartments were added to the top two stories of the apartments that replaced the buildings.
Bibliography
Shakopee Valley News, 15 Oct. 1986.