Kathy Fang, heir apparent to San Francisco's House of Nanking restaurant, initially pursued a different career path than the culinary world her parents had established. Her parents, Peter and Lily Fang, viewed cooking as a necessity for survival rather than a career for their educated daughter, initially expressing dismay at her decision to join the family business.
Career Transition
Fang's parents, immigrants from the Shanghai area, desired a stable career for her, such as a doctor or lawyer. She enrolled in pre-med at the University of Southern California but discovered a dislike for medicine. She then worked in the corporate sector at companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merrill Lynch. Unfulfilled, she informed her father of her decision to leave the corporate world and return to the family restaurant, which initially confused and upset him.
House of Nanking Legacy
House of Nanking has been a prominent fixture in San Francisco's Chinatown for 38 years, known for its long lines and high-energy dining. Peter Fang, the patriarch, was initially hesitant about sharing recipes for a cookbook, fearing it would deter customers. He reportedly did not recognize celebrity diners such as Francis Ford Coppola or Keanu Reeves, who frequented the establishment. The restaurant has served an estimated 5 to 6 million people since its inception, operating from a small kitchen that has not expanded despite the dining room doubling in size.
Kathy Fang's Contributions and Parental Pride
Kathy Fang, a two-time "Chopped" champion and cast member of "Chef Dynasty: House of Fang," has been instrumental in building the restaurant's brand through media engagement. She recently released the first cookbook dedicated to her family's restaurant. Her involvement has helped assure her father that the business can be sustained across generations. While her father has publicly expressed pride in her during interviews, he has not directly conveyed it to her, which Fang attributes to cultural norms.
Parents' Continued Involvement
Peter and Lily Fang, both in their mid-70s, continue to work daily lunch and dinner shifts. A hiatus during the pandemic revealed health issues for Lily, and Peter temporarily lost his voice due to lack of use. They reportedly prefer their routine and have not developed hobbies or friends outside of work. Kathy Fang respects her father's wish to keep House of Nanking localized to Chinatown, indicating no plans for nationwide expansion to preserve its essence.