After Forty Years in Congress Park, Peter's Chinese Cafe Is Now Employee-Owned

Since 1985, Peter's Chinese Cafe, at 2609 East 12th Avenue, has been a go-to in the Congress Park neighborhood, serving up Chinese American staples including some of the best sesame chicken in town, thanks to the eatery's signature double-fry method.

Over its four decades in business, not much has changed at the mostly takeout joint overseen by founder Peter Chan — until recently. Now Chan is ready for retirement, and a shiny new banner that reads "Employee Owned" hangs across the top of the restaurant.

Fondly known by his regulars as the grouchy shopkeep, Chan tells Westword that he had several offers from outside parties to buy the business, but he wasn’t interested in selling to them. The typically grumpy storeowner softened when asked why he chose to sell to his staff instead.

"My employees have been with me for so long. On average, the kitchen staff has worked here for 28 to 30 years, and the drivers for 15 years. They deserve every penny from us,” Chan says. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been successful.”
Luis Angeles, who has worked at Peter’s for sixteen years, is one of the employees who bought the eatery from Chan. “At least seven of us chipped in and purchased [the restaurant]," he says. "It means a lot that [Peter is] passing the torch to us and trusts us with the business so much that he’s even letting us keep his name on the building. ... I'm really excited for his new adventures. It's sad to see him go, but he’s earned it after 39 years in business.”

Chan will still be dropping by to help with the transition. “I don’t want to just desert my staff and walk away. I want them to be successful,” he explains.

Over the years, Chan has watched Congress Park change. “House values are going up too fast, and [business owners] are nervous about rising rent,” he notes. “Without my landlord’s help, I don’t think we could have worked out this deal. My landlord has been incredibly supportive throughout the years.”

For now, the cafe’s menu of Chinese American dishes will largely remain the same. Angeles said the team may add a few new items and phase out those that don’t get ordered often, but they’re still ironing out those details. As for the space itself, there are talks of a potential remodel, but that wouldn’t be for at least another year and a half.

“The customers here have always been amazing in their support, and we’re hoping they’ll continue to support us after Peter leaves,” adds Angeles. “He’s promised to stop by a few times a month to check in and help us out, which is reassuring."

Peter's Chinese Cafe is located at 2609 East 12th Avenue and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit peterschinese.com.