The Kao family have been the sole owners of Royal China, a Chinese restaurant off Preston and Royal in Dallas. This year, they celebrate 50 years since opening.
DALLAS — In 1974, Buck Shu-Chang Kao and his family planted roots in Dallas.
Preston Road and Royal Lane looked different 50 years ago when Buck opened his restaurant, Royal China. It is one of the few original shops that remain in the neighborhood decades later.
When Buck’s son, George Kao, joined him in the U.S., he immediately started working at the restaurant. George’s wife, April, became a big part of the business too. Together, George and April they raised their daughters, Joyuan and Jolene Kao, at the restaurant.
For generations, Royal China still remains in the Kao family. Now in 2024, they are celebrating the restaurant’s 50th anniversary in Dallas.
Through recessions, a pandemic, a fire next door and even a tornado, they’ve survived what many restaurants could not.
“Restaurants are very demanding business. You have your heart,” said George.
While George is the face who greets customers at the door, April has molded Royal China to the constantly changing world, bringing in a hand-pulled noodle bar and a dumpling bar.
Through new menus, new dishes, and even new remodels, April and George never forget their origins.
A photo of Buck laughing with his chin tilted up hangs near the entrance.
“That is my grandfather, the infamous Buck Kao,” said Jolene Kao. “His big booming laugh. You could really hear it throughout the restaurant. Now my dad definitely has that same thing.”
“My dad greets every customer like, ‘Hey! How are you, my man?'” Joyuan Kao said. “And my mom is in the dumpling bar helping out and running around. And to feel like I’m a part of this now on a daily basis, I feel like it is truly an honor.”
Joyuan said her parents never pressured her to work at the restaurant. But she recently left her corporate job to pursue it full-time. Joyuan is ready to be a part of the next generation of the Kaos who continues her grandfather’s legacy.
As they reminisce the last 50 years, George and April look at a framed photo of the original menu. The menu was a simple single page folded in half. It sits above a photo of the original storefront.
While so much has changed in the shop, they said their love of their restaurant and their customers keep their doors open.
“We love people. I think that’s the most important thing,” said George.
Celebrating 50 years, the Kaos are ready for 50 more.
