Empress of China

H.K.’s crowning achievement in business partnership, fundraising, and public outreach was the co-founding of the landmark Empress of China “roof garden” restaurant, in the heart of San Francisco Chinatown. In partnership with managing director and nationally known restaurateur Kee Joon, H.K. became the enthusiastic public voice and its corporate secretary. The restaurant operated from 1966 until 2014, and was the premier Chinese restaurant in the city.

The Empress of China was a popular destination for many locals, tourists, and celebrities over the years. In the San Francisco Magazine Diner’s Choice, 1968-69, an article featuring the Empress read, “In less than two short years, this magnificent roof garden retreat, the only high-rise Chinese restaurant on this continent, has won more honors than most dining places in Chinatown combined.”