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Reader: Finally Some Good News on the Dining Scene!

After four decades, Peter Chan is selling Peter's Chinese Cafe to his employees.
Image: outside of drive-up chinese place
After forty years, Peter's Chinese Cafe has new owner...but they'll look familiar. Molly Martin

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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. 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 says he had several offers from outside parties to buy the business, but he wasn’t interested in selling to them. "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 explains. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been successful.”

In their comments on the Westword Facebook post of the change at Peter's, readers applaud the move: Says Rebecca: 
Finally, some good news!
Offers Victoria:
Love Peter, and love this restaurant. Always a class act, going out with grace!
Adds Sandy:
Thanks for all the great food and memories on that block!!
Recalls AJ:
Peter took care of me and my mom when she was in the hospital. Comped the whole meal when I picked up. Will forever be the best Chinese restaurant! It's in great hands, too.
Responds Jim:
Peter is awesome. I remember him scolding some DPD officers when they had lunch across the street: “I saw you cheating on me!” I used to go weekly until I had to go gluten free. Got too jealous watching everyone else order that yummy sesame chicken.
Remembers Tasha:
I used to live about six blocks outside their delivery area, but I ordered so much that I would tell Peter it was me and he'd say, "Oh, for YOU, we will deliver." He might have done that for everyone, who knows, but it made me feel like a VIP customer. Wontons, scallion pancakes and pineapple chicken - the best.
Replies Steve:
Sorry to diminish, but we're "just outside" their delivery area, too, and they have delivered $thousands of delicious hot food to me over the years. Always have to remind them to send some hot mustard for the spring rolls!
Concludes Kenneth:
Good luck and God bless. What a class move. Under that opinionated, grumpy demeanor there has always been a kind and loving heart. Enjoy retirement! 
Have you been to Peter's? What do you think of the food? His retirement move? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].