Everyone’s Happy at Lee’s

Interviewed by Cuiyin Zhang  Written by Pam McElory

All guests, whether regular customers or first time diners, leave Lee’s Chinese Restaurant happier than when they came in. Each guest is greeted with sincere, amiable smiles and treated politely throughout the duration of their stay. Tea is always filled, orders are accurately taken in a timely manner, and requests are fulfilled.

According to the owner, Kam Ma, experiences at Lee’s Chinese Restaurant are so pleasant because of the close and trusting relationships he has with his staff members. Because of this bond, the overall mood in the restaurant is lifted and therefore, staff members build positive relationships with customers. This method of operation has proven its success with the restaurant’s consistent popularity over the years. 

Feeling at Home…

Ma definitely chose an advantageous location when he opened Lee’s Chinese Restaurant. It is located in a very easily accessible shopping center near a residential area. The traffic is heavy and the population is dense, both working in Ma’s favor, even though some competition does exist.

The restaurant is approximately 800 square feet and is mostly a casual, take-out and dine-in eatery. While the interior décor is not a luxurious one, it is definitely cozy. The ambiance immediately gives the impression that guests will be treated like family here. “We want to provide a quite environment for customers to talk with their families and friends. A fancy décor is not what they are looking for,” explains Ma.

High Quality Food That Won’t Break the Bank

The menu at Lee’s Chinese Restaurant is diverse, serving a variety of authentic and Americanized Cantonese and Mandarin cuisine. As more then 100 menu items are available at all times, even the pickiest of eaters are sure to find something to satisfy them.

The homemade sauces are all made to suit the locals’ preferences—not extremely sweet or hot. “Well chosen dishes are prepared using their original recipes and new ones are created innovating traditional cooking methods with new ones to satisfy every customer,” says Ma.

While, according to Ma, all of the items on the menu are popular with their customers, there are a few dishes that are ordered more than others such as the Sweet & Sour Chicken, Szechuan Shrimp, Sesame Chicken, Tomato Chicken, and Steamed or Fried Rice. These dishes are continually well received for the unique and delicious flavors.

Fried Rice may seem like standard fare for a Chinese Restaurant, but at Lee’s Chinese Restaurant, the chef uses fresh white rice, rather than old white rice, to prepare the dish. As for the Tomato Chicken entrée, customers will come from miles away to enjoy this dish. For this dish, the chef sticks mostly to the authentic recipe using high quality chicken, green peppers, sweet onion, homemade sweet & sour sauce, and fresh tomato.

Additionally, Ma personally checks all of the food and ingredients to ensure their high quality and freshness. “While I earn less profit, I will only serve the highest quality food. Customers can be sure their meals will taste great, be fresh, and cost little,” says Ma, proudly.

How Traditions are Born

According to Ma, some of his customers have been dining in his restaurant since opening day. Some of his customers even drive up to one hour to enjoy an evening relaxing and dining at Lee’s Chinese Restaurant. Ma tries to remember each customer’s name and build solid relationships with them to show his appreciation.

There are six standards that Ma continuously adheres to when it comes to operating the restaurant.

1.       When it comes to hiring employees, he considers many factors including their experience, appearance, and communication skills.

2.       Every staff member should be well-trained after they are hired, no matter how much experience they have.

3.       All food must be prepared with high quality ingredients and with healthy methods of cooking.

4.       The sanitation level must be checked carefully every day.

5.       Always keep good relationships with the customers. Listen to what they want and give them more than they need.

6.       Work together logically and efficiently. The chefs and wait staff must coordinate their efforts to serve the customers as accurately and quickly as possible.

It is because of these high standards that Lee’s Chinese Restaurant keeps that customers return again and again. “Throughout the years, I have seen many restaurants close down. I feel very lucky for having so many loyal customers who support me. I will continue to make progress to show my appreciation,” says Ma.

All About Kam Ma

Before opening Lee’s Chinese Restaurant, Ma worked in the Postal Service and an airline company. Now, he runs Lee’s as well as a driving school, his driving school can do written (permit) and driving tests. He also tries his best to help the Chinese community by assisting any individuals who face language barriers.

Because Lee’s is a family-style restaurant, Ma is fortunate enough to enjoy his work and family at the same time. He makes every chance he can to communicate and spend time with his children.

Ma’s secrets to success are as follows: Always work hard and continue to learn; be aware that the customers know what is best; diligently practice and stay determined; and finally, know your customers.

A Word from Kam Ma

• Location: 9191 Washington St., H Thornton, CO 80229


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  Offers: Dine-in ,Take-out, and Free delivery


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  Phone: (303) 920-9247