Sun Sun II Shining down on Frankfort

Sun Sun II Shining down on Frankfort

Interviewed by Cuiyin Zhang  Written by Elise Krentzel

Yes, the sun is shining these days on the citizens of Frankfort, Illinois who until now have been in bleak spirits for the lack of a really decent Chinese take-out restaurant in their town. Finally, instead of commuting outside the area, they can call Sun Sun II their own, home away from home. Located in the brand new shopping plaza on South Harlem Avenue, this 1,500 square foot godsend is bringing smiles to the faces of many locales.

Thanks to the ingenuity of owner Shiyan Mei, this spanking new restaurant with take-out and delivery service is appreciated for its Americanized and traditional Chinese specialties. For example, the secret house spicy sauce that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Signature dishes that earn top credits with new and repeat customers include Orange Peel Chicken, General Tso's Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Black Pepper Beef and Empress Chicken. These items are all very hot and top the list of frequent orders. Yet a whole slew of dishes including Sweet & Sour Chicken, Sesame Chicken and Szechwan Pork are considered exceptional, according to online customer reviews.

Owner Mei is partial to Yu Hsiang sauce (garlic sauce for the layman) because of its sweet, sour and pungent mixture. The chef adds black mushroom which releases a funny yet alluring fragrance.

Talk about Healthy

Sun Sun sets itself apart from the masses of Chinese restaurants by offering special dietary dishes that are low in calories yet high in nutrition and aesthetic appeal. Speaking about healthy dining is more than a mouthful at Sun Sun. Owner Mei recommended the Seafood Tofu. Melon, tofu and Chinese leafy vegetables including cabbage, bok choy and other greens are on offer for vegetarians. Besides, Mei's chefs only use 100% corn oil.

Using the freshest produce and vegetables on a daily basis ranks high on the list of healthy ingredients. That is why Mei and the chef take morning jaunts to the local wholesale market. They like to pick and choose, touch and feel and inspect all the items they will serve their customers. It's a personal process that ensures attention to quality, taste and of course, freshness. Mei and her husband conduct research regularly on balancing flavors in sauces to various food groups and combinations. They frequently come up with inspiring ideas at the market while inspecting their daily goods.

Service is Down to a Science

Mei's got the service aspect down to a science. A phone order takes 10 minutes to prepare while delivery takes no more than a half hour. The family run operation is split between Mr. Mei (in the back) and Mrs. Mei up front. She handles the calls, delivery staff and greeting customers. “We don't pass the buck,” says Mrs. Mei, “because as a family business we pride ourselves on doing mostly everything in our power on our own. We do not need to hire anyone else. We can save on our overhead that way and increase profits.”

When employing chefs Mr. Mei only wants to use experienced ones to “put forth our views in an innovative way to devise creative edible solutions”, he says. He says that without freshness, quality control, and a clean and healthy environment his restaurant couldn't succeed.

Sanitation is also a science according to the Mei's. Every area, especially the bathrooms need to be cleaned each day. Efficient delivery time is essential because take-out requires speedy service. Customers do not want to spare a single minute nor do they want to waste their time waiting. With that tenet in mind says the Mei's they have been able to prove their metal.

Understanding customers' needs is an absolute for anyone in the business admits Mei. The foremost thing to remember is their special wishes. Making them feel like a family member is also a surefire way to win their hearts confides Mrs. Mei.

Years of Experience

The Mei's are not newcomers to the scene. They've been in the business for twenty years starting with Sun Sun (the first), a Chinese restaurant. Mei had been looking for quote some time for another location to open Sun Sun II. She says, “I'm an adventurous person.” “Fierce competition gets me excited and that's why I chose to run restaurants.” “I try to be the best in my field.” “You need to believe in yourself, put forth your best effort and then you'll see the returns.”

Even though Sun Sun II was opened in August 2009 in the midst of the economic recession Mrs. Mei has high hopes for the continued development of her newest baby. “My two babies are grown up already so I can easily balance family life and work.” “Besides, my home is not too far away from both restaurants so it's easy for me to jut around back and forth.”

At the same time that Mrs. Mei competes in her field she believes in an enjoyable coexistence with other restaurateurs. To draw upon one another and benefit from the process of competition, that is her ideal vision.

As to the future, what does she portend?

“Thanks to our customers consistent support during this financial crisis we may enlarge the restaurant to provide more dine-in capabilities.”

“I also wish to offer more classic and traditional Chinese dishes to spread the culture in a culinary fashion as I think more and more people will appreciate the food”, she adds positively.

Sun Sun II Chinese Restaurant

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  Location: 19814 S Harlem Ave., Frankfort, IL 60423
  
  
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  Phone: (815) 469-6035
  
  
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  Owner: Shiyan Mei