Yum Yum Chinese Food merits 56th District’s business of the year
CALEXICO — Through lean and fat years the Yum Yum Chinese Food restaurant has remained a bedrock of the business community here and therefore earned the recognition of Small Business of the Year for the 56th California State Assembly District.
Dozens of local and Valley dignitaries arrived at the venerable eatery Friday to celebrate with owners Louis and Christina Wong. Since the summer of 1989 Yum Yum has kept to its business philosophy of serving customers in the community. And despite a slight downturn in business activity customers remain loyal and that is because the staff treats customers with a lot of respect.
“We listen to our customers and try to find what they like,” said Louis. “We try to follow their directions. If they want chili on their rice so be it. I always tell my staff, cook the food any way they want it.”
Though Yum Yum specialize in Cantonese cuisine Louis and all his staff love Mexican food and often cook it for themselves. Yet he appreciates all the support from neighborhood patrons and gives special thanks to Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia for selecting his business as the award recipient. All 80 California Assemblymembers could name a venue as their choice for small business of the year. Garcia noted Yum Yum has been a neighborhood staple for nearly 30 years. He recalled his grandfather ate there and who pointed out the food was as good as the best of Mexico’s Chinese restaurants.
“He has weathered all economic storms and it’s a mark of what a smart businessman Louis is,” said Garcia. “He’s also a big supporter of a long list of causes and nonprofits. And Louis is always there to answer the call whenever asked to provide space for a neighborhood event. That’s why we selected him for the award.”
Hildy Carrillo, executive director of the Calexico Chamber of Commerce characterized Yum Yum as a neighborhood icon. And whether good times or bad, the Wongs have remained devoted to the community and deserved the recognition.
And dining under the radar Friday was regular customer Federico Lugo, who is employed on the maintenance staff of the nearby Hotel De Anza. Although not a frequent diner, Lugo noted he returns because, “The food is really good,” he said.
Christina Wong was very happy to see so many arrive from all over the Valley to share the celebration. “We treat our customers like our family,” she said. “We both work so hard and our customers see that and appreciate our attention to them.”
In May, Mothers and Men Against Gangs Coalition was recognized as Nonprofit of the Year for the 56th Assembly district, a second annual celebration initiated by the California Association of Nonprofits. MAG, started four years ago by Yulil and Martin Garza Sr. work towards eradication of gangs.
After years of business success the Wongs are magnanimous community leaders, noted Garcia. “Their widespread philanthropy ranges from promoting arts and culture to serving Chinese food to fundrise at high school football games,” he said. “They give wholeheartedly to help Imperial County prosper.”