There are six reasons why the massive Kowloon in Saugus, a Route 1 landmark, endures as a “must-eat’’ destination.
Running the iconic 1,200-seat restaurant that serves more than 500,000 customers a year is no easy feat. But together, the six Wong siblings — Andy, Bob, Linda, Lisa, Donald, and Stanley — have made it happen.
In November, the six were inducted into the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Hall of Fame for their extraordinary dedication to the hospitality industry, following in the footsteps of their parents, who received the same honor in 2001. In 1950, the siblings’ maternal grandparents opened The Mandarin, a 50-seat restaurant at the same location. In 1958, their parents took over the business, expanded the building and the business, and renamed it Kowloon.
“Working with your parents is the best part of it,’’ said Bob, 61, who’s worked there since he was 14. “The ability to work with them and see them every day is a real treasure.’’
Their father, Bill, is gone, but their mother, Madeline, 89, still comes in “once or twice a week to do the walk around,’’ said Bob. “She’s always outspoken, whether we want it or not. But I value the fact that she’s still able to do that.’’
The Wongs measure their success in many ways. Community service and taking care of their employees top the list. Each year, they award scholarships to Saugus High students and donate food to many local fund-raising events. On the business side, Bob said, “We have employees who have been here 30, 40, 50 years, who put their heart and soul into it. We’re very fortunate.’’
The family has witnessed many dramatic changes on Route 1, including the arrival of chain restaurants and the toppling of the Hilltop Steakhouse. Running an independent restaurant can be a challenge, Bob said, but the family sees it as a plus.
“Being independent, you can get very creative,’’ he said. “Competition is good; it keeps us on our toes. But if I had my way, we’d be the only Chinese restaurant in the state, but that’s OK.’’
Kathy Shiels Tully can be reached at kathy@kathyshielstully.com.
