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Jenny Ng, a Chinese American self-employed hair stylist in Redmond for the past 8 years, has worked with hundreds of clients throughout her time. Originally working at a hair salon in New York City, when Jenny moved to Redmond, she needed a way to make money for sustainable living... Over time, word spread about her talent, and she became the preferred stylist for many across Redmond, especially Asians Americans. Overall, Jenny mentions how the large number of Asians Americans moving into the Redmond area over the past years has likely played a part in her success.
-- Youyou Z., Tiger Y. and Elissa S.
Little Masters Club Volunteers
Small businesses like Jenny's are integral to the U.S. economy, and a core part of any community.
Did you know that small businesses employ more than half of the nation’s workforce, and typically contribute more to community causes like local charities and fundraisers than their national counterparts? They keep resources circulating locally, and strengthen the social fabric of the places they call home.
A diverse community of business owners, including Chinese American entrepreneurs, have long been an essential part of this story.
From family-run restaurants and grocery stores to professional services, tech startups, and retail shops, Chinese American–owned small businesses generate jobs, and bring cultural richness to their neighborhoods. Our volunteers particularly noticed the influence of Chinese Americans in the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and in Redmond's restaurants.
Redmond Chamber of Commerce Business and Professional Directory, 2008
Use these resources to explore local, Redmond businesses.
Sammamish Valley News, 1972
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
You Hong Woo, one of Redmond's early Chinese American residents, is likely one of the earliest known practicers of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the area. In a 1972 issue of the Sammamish Valley News, Oscar Roloff writes that Woo is an avid user of Chinese herbs, which Woo credits as the source of his good health. He describes woo creating a ground powered the herbs, and using honey to bind the mixture -- a common practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Regulation and licensing around eastern medicine began to change in the 1970s. Washington State representative Alan Bluchel of Kirkland drafted legislation to legalize the use of acupuncture in teaching hospitals. However, Washington State did not approve regulation for acupuncture until 1985. This step towards formalizing the profession established a framework for licensing, and included provisions for students to practice under a certified professional.
In 2010, this regulation was significantly updated and expanded, establishing the title "East Asian Medicine Practitioner". Currently, a variety of clinics include or practice Traditional Chinese Medicine, though acupuncture appears to be especially popular, and they enjoy a enjoy a rich economic environment.
For instance, Redmond businesses like Long Hu Acupuncture, Mix Acupuncture & Wellness, Swiss Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, Ding’s Acupuncture and Wellness, and Dreamclinic Massage and Acupuncture all currently operate in Redmond. Aside from acupuncture, they offer a mix of traditional and modern practices such as cupping, herbal remedies, gua sha, and health education.
Chinese American Restaurants
Chinese American Restaurants
Chinese food is still widely considered one of the most popular cuisines in America, but its roots can be traced back to the California Gold Rush of the 1840s and 1850s. Many immigrants found entrepreneurial opportunities in providing services for miners as traders, merchants, and restaurant owners. These cooks often adapted recipes and cooking styles to use cheaper or more readily available ingredients, developing a cuisine distinct from China's culinary traditions.
This adaptability was a survival strategy, and kept businesses profitable by appealing to a broader audience.
Sammamish Valley News, 1953
This style of American Chinese food first began to appear on the shelves of Redmond's grocery stores in 1953 with brands like large, national chains like Chun King and La Choy. These brands specialized in frozen, pre-packaged or canned foods, promising convenience.
In the 1960s, Redmondites embraced a more local options in the Seattle based Mary Pang’s Food Products. In addition to a line of Chinese frozen-foods, Mrs. Pang taught Chinese cooking classes and published a cookbook, “A Wok With Mary Pang.”
Mary Pang plans a dinner with the Redmond Elementary PTA.
Sammamish Valley News, 1966
Redmond's first Chinese restaurant Kwuntung Country opened in 1972, offering dancing and live music, alongside "Chinese foods" and "American dishes".
During the 70s and 80s, Kwuntung Country featured country Western music in the "Gong Room". In the 90s, performers shifted to classic rock.
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Since then Redmond's Chinese and Chinese American food scene has expanded, with restaurants specializing in regional dishes (1), local chains (2), and franchises of international chains(3).
Here are just a few examples:
1997 - Super China Restaurant joins Redmond Chamber of Commerce
2000 - Now a local chain, Regent Bakery & Cafe is established in Redmond
2005 - Teapot Vegetarian House first advertises their Redmond location, expanding from Capitol Hill
2008 - "Bubble Tea" is mentioned for the first time in the Redmond Reporter at Flavor Bakery & Cafe
2016 - Dough Zone, first founded in Bellevue, opens a Redmond location
2019 - Hui Lau Shan opens its first U.S. branch in Redmond
Ally Tu, a Redmond resident for over a decade, as well as previous owner of the Eastern Pearl restaurant in Redmond, has seen many changes Asian American businesses throughout the years.
During an interview with a student volunteer, she mentioned how originally Chinese cuisine in Redmond were family owned and operated, many as an attempt to make enough money for sustainable living.
Throughout the years, however, many of these traditional restaurants have been closed, and Asian cuisine has became more modernized.
There's also many Chinese restaurant owners nowadays own restaurants selling a wider variety of non-Chinese cuisine.
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