Have you been to China Garden, considered the oldest Chinese restaurant in Houston? The downtown eatery, open since 1969, has served up delicious food to Houstonians for decades. So, how did this establishment get started and how has it maintained its legacy in Houston?
The Start of a Legacy
David Jue, the co-founder of China Garden, moved to America with his family at 17-years-old. He got his feet wet in the restaurant business when he helped his uncle open a Chinese restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana. Later, he opened another restaurant, Oriental Café, with his sister and brother-in-law in 1953. In 1964, he decided to move from Shreveport to Houston with his wife, Marian to pursue big dreams. At first, the couple opened a Chinese Food Products import store to serve the immigrant community in Houston. However, their vision quickly changed to opening a small sit-down eatery in 1969. In the early days, the restaurant became known for serving Chinese food next to American dishes like steaks and pork chops.
China Garden Today
As the years passed, eating at China Garden became a tradition among many Houstonians. After the Toyota Center was built near China Garden in the early 2000s, it served as a hub for basketball lovers and concert goers. David and his wife Marian ran the restaurant together for decades before David passed away in 2007, and then Marian in 2021. It’s now run by their children, Carol Jue Churchill and Richard Jue. Wondering what to eat on your next visit? Enjoy their lo mein, Mongolian beef, shrimp fried rice, and egg rolls.
Here’s more on how China Garden is adapting to Houston’s changing restaurant landscape 🍽️
