Sacramento’s Party of the Year Set for 9-9-09

Frank Fat’s restaurant, the oldest restaurant operated by the same family in the same location in Sacramento and possibly the entire West, is celebrating its 70th year as a historic Chinese-American restaurant and Capitol dining host.

Located two blocks away from the State Capitol on 806 L street, Frank Fat’s serves some of the region’s most celebrated dishes such as Honey Walnut Prawns, Frank’s Style New York Steak, Yu Kwok and Banana Cream Pie. In celebration of Frank Fat’s opening in 1939, customers will be in for a treat. Frank Fat’s is offering a sizzling special with the price of a gourmet meal rolled back to $19.39 per person. (Offer available August 1 to September 30, 2009)

Not only is the cuisine phenomenal, but the restaurant is a notable part of California history. In 1919, the legendary Frank Fat, whose Chinese name was Dong Sai-Fat, immigrated to the United States from Canton, China at age 15. Before he became a successful restaurateur, Frank picked fruit, washed dishes and waited tables.

“When customers asked my grandfather about his secret to success, he would modestly say he was ‘only an ordinary restaurateur who worked hard and had a bit of luck,’” said Kevin Fat, Vice President of Frank Fat, Inc. and Frank Fat’s grandson.

Frank’s lucky break occurred in the 1930s when he waited tables in the basement of Hong King Lum restaurant where they offered Chinese Keno games when gambling was still legal in California. A prestigious state official came in for lunch and bought several Keno tickets. He marked the tickets, and Frank went to the basement to pay for them. A 50-cent ticket won $900 for the patron, but the official left before the game started. Frank held the winnings until the man came back for dinner. The thankful customer rewarded Frank for his honesty by giving him the business loan he needed to open Frank Fat’s.

In 1939, Frank turned a former speakeasy in downtown Sacramento into a thriving Chinese-American restaurant where dinner could be bought for 50 cents and lunch for 25 cents. The grand opening advertisement featured a portrait of Frank Fat’s cheerful smile with the words, “Frank Fat Presents to Sacramento and Vicinity Something Different. Beautiful. Refreshing. Delightful.”

In the 1980s, Fat’s became renowned as California’s “Third House” where landmark bills were negotiated over friendly meals and tort reform arose out of the famous “napkin deal.” Today, Frank Fat’s remains the most popular Chinese-American restaurant among not only the Capitol crowd, but also with families, business executives, world travelers and entertainment and sports personalities.

“My father knew how to provide great food and excellent service, and he had an instinct for good business,” said Jerry Fat, president of Fat’s restaurants and Frank Fat’s youngest son. “He was well known for his joyful persona, humbleness and genuine interest in people. The Fat family carries on his legacy by combining excellent cuisine with personalized and friendly service in all of our restaurants.”

In addition to Frank Fat’s restaurant, the Fat family has Fat City Bar & Cafe and Fat's Catering and Banquet Facility, both in Old Sacramento; Fat’s Asia Bistro & Dim Sum Bar in Roseville and Folsom; and Fat City Steak House in San Diego. The Fat restaurant dynasty also includes Kung Fu Fats located at California State University, Sacramento and Cache Creek Casino near Woodland.

THE PARTY OF THE YEAR
Frank Fat’s 70th anniversary celebration will take place September 9, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the garage next to Fat’s at 806 L Street. Both Frank and his son, Wing, treasured family and the importance of family in achieving success. In their memory, the 70th anniversary celebration will benefit Sacramento Crisis Nurseries, which helps to prevent child abuse and neglect by supporting families during times of extreme stress and providing safe havens for their babies and children. The party will be open to the public in support of charity. To benefit Sacramento Crisis Nurseries, reservations are $125 per person and can be made by calling 916-441-4184 or visiting www.crisisnurseryonline.com/frankfat.htm.