FORT MITCHELL, Ky. -- Oriental Wok, a staple of the local restaurant community, is celebrating 40 years in business this weekend.
The family-owned restaurant has locations in Fort Mitchell and Cincinnati's Hyde Park neighborhood.
Owner Mike Wong came to the United States in 1972. He got his start working as a cook in a Chinese restaurant.
"He was working in Cincinnati at the time, but out of respect for his bosses where he learned everything he knew for several years, he said, 'I think I'll move to Kentucky,'" Susana Wong-Burges said.
Wong-Burges, Wong's daughter, said her parents struggled at first after coming to America becuase of a lack of money and the language barrier. But they never gave up.
"Your see your parents working so hard, and they're still at it," she said. "After 40 years, Mom and Dad are still here at the restaurant. If they're not taking a small vacation, they're here."
Wong-Burges and her sister, Angela Wong-Miller, didn't go into the family business at first. Wong-Burges wanted to work in hotels, and Wong-Miller taught English overseas, before eventually coming back around.
"Now we're in it for the long haul," Wong-Miller said. "We are committed 100 percent."
The sisters said they're living the American dream. They were born to immigrant parents who came to the country for a better life, and they've been working toward it for the last 40 years.
The anniversary celebration will be held Sunday at their Fort Mitchell location. They're also holding a Chinese New Year celebration. Visit their website for more information.
