In Good Harmony

In Good Harmony

Interviewed by Cuiyin Zhang  Written by Pam McElory

The City of Bottineau is a small progressive city nestled at the foot of the Turtle Mountains in north central Dakota. It is also the county seat of Bottineau County. The county’s topographical diversity offers a variety in resources from recreational to agricultural to oil production. The city supports an excellent quality of life for its residents.

The unique area is one of the premier tourist areas of the state known as North Dakota’s Four Seasons Playground. Bottineau, Lake Metigoshe, the Turtle Mountain area, and the beautiful International Peace Gardens highlight the area. One of the world’s true botanical wonders, the Peace Gardens, commemorates the peace that exists between the U.S. and Canada. The area offers two golf courses, hunting, water sports, athletic sports, bowling, swimming, tennis, hiking, skating, downhill and cross-country skiing snowmobiling, camping and much more.

The common theme throughout China Inn restaurant in Bottineau, North Dakota, is harmony. Owner, Susan Tam, uses harmonious management style and builds harmonious relationships with her staff members and customers. “I am strict with my staff during business hours, but I treat them like family after work hours,” she explains. “I have faith that this concept will finally help me stand out and succeed.”

Comfort Counts

The casual, dine-in restaurant is filled with classical Chinese elements to pique the customers’ interest about Chinese culture. Traditional Chinese paintings adorn the walls and the floors are covered with carpet to give the restaurant a warm ambiance. While the restaurant is moderate in size, approximately 3,000 square feet, the space is organized simply, with a dark green and black color palette to make sure the customers are comfortable and have plenty of room.

The Food

The customer is king when it comes to menu at China Inn. “We can specialize any dish to satisfy a customer. You name it, we cook it,” says Susan. That being said, the restaurant offers a combination of Americanized Hunan, Szechuan, and Cantonese food. The dishes are prepared with using a variety of methods, stir-frying and steaming being the most popular and every dish is cooked using 100 percent vegetable oil.

The house specialties are the Triple Delight, Black Pepper Chicken, Lemon Chicken, Shrimp w. Mixed Vegetables, and Sa Cha Chicken. And the most popular dishes are the General Tso’s Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, Garden Steaks, and Salt & Pepper Shrimp. 

Additionally, a section of the menu titled “Keep Fit” offers quite a few healthier options including Steamed Mixed Vegetables or Steamed Chicken or Shrimp with Vegetables to name a few. With so many Americans pursuing healthy diets, China Inn has raised their awareness to meet the demand. Only fresh materials are used and the highest level of quality control is kept. The vegetables purchased are fresh, the meats are well-marinated, and all of the ingredients are prepared about an hour or so before the restaurant opens everyday so they area at their most fresh. Oil is used as little as possible and the food is cooked perfectly to ensure high nutrition, great texture, and attractive presentations. “Not only do we want to fill our customers’ stomachs, but we also want to provide them with a healthy feast,” says Susan.

China Inn was given the Top 100 Nutrition Friendly Menus award by Chinese Restaurant News and it was also given the highest score from a mystery dining expert.

“We accommodate our customers’ demands. That is why we receive such high praise from them,” explains Susan.

A Part of the Neighborhood

Timely and friendly service can always be expected at China Inn. The staff members are very aware of what the different customers are looking for. They give warm greetings and always have positive attitudes. Additionally, they conduct a thorough cleaning in the restaurant every day. “Keeping the restaurant clean is an important part of the operation,” says Susan.

A goal that Susan has reached was to become a neighborhood restaurant. By always satisfying the customers, Susan has created a positive reputation for the restaurant, bringing customers in again and again.

Another sure way to success, according to Susan, is keeping up with the latest trends in order to stay competitive. For example, they added the “Keep Fit” section to the menu when they saw this new trend first beginning to emerge. Always keep the restaurant up-to-date and work hard with your whole heart. According to Susan, the methods just mentioned are far more useful than engaging in a price war or spending too much money on various marketing tactics.

The Owner Never Forgets

One evening Susan was sure no customers would come to the restaurant due to a strong snowstorm. However, a little later than normal, a group of her regular customers showed up for dinner. “Susan, we’ll support you rain or shine,” the customers explained, moving Susan to tears. 

“China Inn stays in business over the years because of my customers’ loyal support. They give me confidence to run the restaurant better and better. Their support helps me overcome difficulties and I can only do a better job to repay them,” says Susan.

All About Susan…

Susan came to the United States as a teenager where she spent her time in California. She worked for a variety of outfits including a law office, financial service company, restaurant, and pharmacy. After she graduated from college with an AA degree, she took a job as a coordinator at a large company in their housing service department. Eventually, she moved to North Dakota for a smaller and more peaceful life.

According to Susan, running a Chinese restaurant is one of the many options available to Chinese immigrants in the United States. While growing up, she never considered entering the restaurant industry, however, she loves cooking for people and seeing their satisfaction so in the end she chose this career and is very happy.

In the future, Susan plans to continue sharing the long history of Chinese culture with her customers and the world. She plans to keep her restaurant current and up-to-date and to keep her customers happy.

China Inn

• Location: 1003 11th St. E, Hwy 5 East, Bottineau, ND 58318


• Phone & Fax: (701) 228-2280


• Owner: Susan Tam