Dallas’s Hong Kong Restaurant, the city’s longest continuously operating Chinese restaurant, closed in early May 2025. The closure marked the end of an era on Garland Road, where traditional Chinese-American flavors were held in esteem for more than 63 years.
Highlights:
- The restaurant, which was started in 1962 by chef Bill Pon, transformed Chinese-American cuisine in Dallas.
- Famous for its extensive menu featuring dishes such as watercress soup, yu dow gai ding, orange chicken, and egg foo yung.
- Co-founder Bill Pon was the first Asian-American chef to join the Texas Chefs Association.
Popular Dallas Restaurant Shuts Down
Hong Kong Restaurant, 9055 Garland Road in Dallas, closed in the first week of May 2025. The restaurant, Dallas’ longest-running Chinese restaurant, had been operating for more than 63 years.
Co-owner Andy Tran operated the restaurant under the guidance of building owner John Brennan. Brennan felt the restaurant’s long-term tenants chose to retire, resulting in its closure.
The closure signals a shift in Dallas’s historic Chinese food landscape because Royal China, opened in 1974, is now Dallas’ longest-running Chinese restaurant.
The Story Behind A Culinary Landmark In Dallas
Since its opening in 1962, Hong Kong Restaurant has been a culinary icon in Dallas. Co-founded by Bill Pon, a chef with almost two decades of experience in San Francisco, and famous for having once served the first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the restaurant gained a reputation based on its true Chinese flavors.
The restaurant marketed its menu on the theme of “101 authentic Chinese Foods,” presenting a diverse set of traditional meals. Some of its offerings included watercress soup, yu dow gai ding, orange chicken, egg foo yung, fried rice, and egg rolls.
Bill Pon’s Role in Shaping a Culinary Legacy
Bill Pon played an important role in introducing Dallas to traditional Chinese food. After spending years working as a chef in San Francisco, he transferred those sophisticated techniques and passion for authenticity to set high standards for the menu at Hong Kong Restaurant, influencing Chinese-American dining along the way.
Though he passed away in 1971, his impact was carried through quality in dishes at the restaurant, forming the foundation of its celebrated reputation and loyal patronage.
How the Visionary Chef Brought Cultures Together With Cuisine
In addition to serving food, Bill Pon’s endeavors brought cultures together. The restaurant became a convergence point where individuals of different backgrounds got a chance to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. In 1967, a report shared that local sixth-graders learned to use chopsticks here as part of a social studies class about China, reinforcing the restaurant’s role as a cultural bridge.
Reflecting on Closure and Community Reaction
The announcement of the closure prompted nostalgic reflections from Dallas residents. Regulars remembered Hong Kong Restaurant as a warm, casual spot that held a special place in their lives. Community members highlighted its cultural icon status and noted the personal bonds established across an eternity of meals.
Building owner John Brennan commended the restaurant’s history and spoke of the nostalgia in the neighborhood as the popular restaurant closed.
Honoring A Culinary Tradition That Continues To Inspire
Although Hong Kong Restaurant has closed down, its lasting legacy continues to be felt. Local historical organizations, such as the Dallas Asian American Historical Society, have recognized the restaurant’s significant contribution to making Chinese-American cuisine popular in Dallas.
Preserved artifacts, documented stories, and fond memories bear witness to its trailblazing endeavor in marrying traditional recipes with community spirit. With Royal China now hailed as the longest-running Chinese restaurant, the inspiration of Hong Kong Restaurant continues to inspire the local food heritage and culture.
The restaurant’s closure marks the end of a defining chapter in Dallas’s culinary history. Its 63 years of genuine Chinese-American fare and fostering of community will endure as inspiration to Dallas’ rich culinary heritage.
