The booming drums and clanging metal of a traditional Chinese lion dance kicked off the 70th anniversary of Frank Fat’s, Sacramento’s oldest operating eating establishment.

A red and white lion, each moved by two dancers inside the costumes, moved to the rhythm, winding around the sidewalk in front of the restaurant and the Motor Inn Garage next door where the party was being held. After a few dances, the lions led a procession inside the garage to signal to all in attendance that the night had officially begun.

Jerry, Frank Fat's youngest son, opened the night by inviting all members of the family on the stage.

“I don’t think anyone could have seen this location becoming the seed of the entire franchise,” Jerry said of the first restaurant on 806 L St.

Jerry’s sister, Linda, organized the event to give the profits from the $125 tickets to the Sacramento Crisis Nurseries and also decorated the garage with festive red sashes and flowers.

“The values my father instilled in us were simple: work hard, get an education, always be respectful to others and give back to the community,” Jerry said.

After his introduction, Fat turned the stage over to Mayor Kevin Johnson, who remarked on not only his love of the restaurant's food, but also its importance to Sacramento’s history.

“We have made a resolution marking September 9th as Frank Fat Day,” Johnson said.

Former KCRA and KOVR news anchor Stan Atkinson was the host for the evening. Atkinson proceeded to speak of the history of Fat’s and the significance of the day.

“I hope you all feel the essence of karma today,” Atkinson said. “Frank, Mary and Wing must be smiling right now at the chosen date. Nine is a very important number in Chinese culture, and to celebrate the anniversary of this place is a definite sign of good luck.”

Chairman of the California Democratic Party John Burton explained that “so many deals were made at Fat’s.” He also spoke about the famous Napkin Deal, which celebrates its own anniversary a day after the party.

The 22-year-old deal is considered a major turning point in California politics, prompting a truce between insurance companies, trial lawyers, doctors and manufacturers in return for their support in changing California’s civil liability laws. Democratic Senator Bill Lockyer mediated the discussions and scribbled the stipulations of the agreement on a white napkin. A copy of the napkin exists in the form of a large poster hanging in Fat’s.

Councilmember Robbie Waters presented the official resolution for Frank Fat’s Day to Jerry Fat before the night’s band, Clean Slate, took the stage.

As a few brave partygoers danced to funk-infused covers of “My Girl,” “It’s Not Unusual” and “Good Times,” the rest helped themselves to choice selections from the numerous restaurants in the Fat chain.

Among the offerings were eggrolls, potstickers and numerous types of sushi. Pork was definitely the dominant flavor of the night, as nearly every food station featured a dish made with the meat, ranging from pulled pork sandwiches to deep fried pork dumplings. One table even featured a full roast pig which had been cubed for people to easily place hunks on their plates.

No occasion featuring food from Fat’s would be complete without the restaurant’s signature banana cream pie, and this night was no different. The famous dessert was served bite sized in miniature tart dishes with a generous helping of whipped cream on top.

The two bar tables offered about a dozen wines, a few different beers and an array of liquor for mixed drinks. Attendees happily sipped their drinks and moved from one platter of delectable samples to another.

The night ended as people slowly filtered out of the garage's three massive doorways, everyone's stomachs a much more full and the Crisis Nurseries' funds likewise.