The Bold and Beautiful Ho Mei
Interviewed by Cuiyin Zhang Written by Pam McElroy
According to the popular Cantonese adage, when there are red and blue colors, there are fish and meat; and when there are fish and meat, there are wealth and luck. Ho Mei Chinese Restaurant perfectly represents this adage with its bold and colorful décor, variety of flowers, mini orange trees, and framed artwork. The lights are kept dimly lit creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere and accenting the two crystal chandeliers. The attractive 2,700 square foot restaurant is usually filled to its 90-person capacity each day of the week.
The owner Weihong Ma’s goal is to spread love and knowledge of Chinese food throughout the
A Love of Food
Ho Mei Chinese Restaurant’s menu mainly offers Americanized Chinese food. Most of the dishes are prepared in the typical fashions of stir-frying and deep-frying. Whatever customers are looking for, whether it’s fast food or a healthy 3-course meal, they will find what they’re looking for here. However, one thing is always certain: only the freshest ingredients available are used. According to Ma, “Everything is freshly made and freshly presented. Nothing is allowed to stay overnight.”
The most popularly ordered dishes on the menu are Broccoli with Beef, Sesame Chicken, and Salt & Pepper Shrimp. And according to Ma, the restaurant’s signature dishes are the Spicy Chicken, Meatballs, and Pork Ribs with Pineapple and the restaurant’s specialties are Cantonese BBQ Roast Pork, Spicy Chicken Wings, and Japanese Chicken. The specialty dishes are very popular but are only offered a few days each month to keep customers enticed. Dishes can also be steamed or without oil or MSG upon request for health conscious diners.
Top Notch Service
Each person who visits Ho Mei Chinese Restaurant is treated like a VIP. First-rate service is absolutely guaranteed. The traditional philosophy that the customer is always right is strictly followed to by each staff member. “We try everything we can to satisfy our customers’ specific needs. Paying attention to customers’ opinions and complaints is essential for the restaurant’s improvement and growth.” And in return, Mr. Ma sees people driving from all over the area to dine in his restaurant.
In addition to impeccable service, the staff members also provide a very hygienic dining environment. The kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms are each kept clean. “Our aim is to provide a cozy, spotless, and bright dining ambiance for our customers. Our admirable sanitation always leaves a good impression,” explains Ma.
It is also important to Mr. Ma to form relationships with his regular customers. Ho Mei is well known in
Ma’s Secrets to Success
Weihong Ma’s story
Ma and his wife first arrived in the
Through his business development, Ma’s family has always been supportive. His wife helps with the operations and his sons—who immigrated to the
According to Ma, the future is always open to new things. “I am always eager to learn and to keep following the latest trends. I always hope to open more restaurants to serve the local residents,” says Ma. While there are no plans to open additional restaurants at the moment, the possibility is never ruled out.
Enjoy Ma’s Culinary Creations
Ho Mei Restaurant—1996
Ho Mei Restaurant 2—2000
Ho Mei Restaurant 3
Sengataki Japanese Grill—2007
Ho Mei Chinese Restaurant
l Location:
l Cuisine: Americanized Chinese
l Restaurant Concept: Casual
l Capacity: 90
l Offers: Dine in, Take-out
l Signature Dishes: Broccoli Beef, Sesame Chicken, and Salt & Pepper Shrimp
l Year of establishment: 1996
l Phone: (303) 355-5401
l Website: www.homeiinc.com
Owner: Weihong Ma