Businesses Supporting Other Businesses
Small businesses thrive in this community because of the unique sense of togetherness underlined by businesses supporting other businesses.
By Welcome to Chinatown
Irene Dumoga
K.K. Discount at HK Wonton Garden
KK Discount has been in Chinatown for over 30 years and is across the street from HK Wonton Garden. It’s mainly the mom, dad & son who are constantly working in the shop. The granddaughter has become the unofficial mascot of the store. There's always been a community vibe here.
H. K Wonton Garden (2020-10-07) by Steven YenWelcome to Chinatown
What is the significance of HK Wonton Garden to KK Discount?
"We've looked out for each other ever since they've opened by supplying each other with essentials. We provide them with restaurant supplies, while they would cook us delicious food that gives us the energy to continue working long hours." - Li Family
KK Discount store (2020-10-07) by Steven YenWelcome to Chinatown
What should people order when they eat at the restaurant?
"This is so tough because they offer such a wide selection of delicious eats. The wontons are hands down a no brainer. Pair it with their different noodle styles and you will have a winning entree." - Li Family
12 Pell at Mee Sum Cafe
Karho is the owner of local barbershop, retail and event space, 12Pell. Karho said that when he was a kid, he attended cram school (like Kumon) across from Mee Sum so he’s been going there since he was a child.
12Pell + Mee Sum Cafe (2020-10-07) by Steven YenWelcome to Chinatown
What do you love most about Mee Sum?
"Mee Sum is one of the oldest restaurants in Chinatown. To this day, it still carries that same level of authenticity you won't find anywhere else, that OG Chinatown vibe." - KL
Karho's father at Mee Sum Cafe (2020-10-07) by Steven YenWelcome to Chinatown
What is the significance of Mee Sum to you/your family?
My pops is a regular there and he’s even earned the name "the king." The story goes that he once called a kitchen staff a king and they flipped it back on him and the rest is history. As a result I also earned the title as the "king’s son." - KL
Soft Swerve at S Wan Cafe
Jason Liu, owner of Soft Swerve, is a huge fan of S Wan. The owners, Sandy & Alex purchased S Wan from from the previous owners after being customers themselves for years. Both of them grew up in Hong Kong and want to provide similar vibes and food to the local community.
Soft Swerve + S Wan Cafe (2020-10-07) by Steven YenWelcome to Chinatown
What is the significance of S Wan Cafe to you?
"It’s the staple HK style spot that serves the community; it has inexpensively priced food that is both delicious and quick. It has been one of my go to lunch spots from me growing up in the neighborhood and while I was establishing a business in the neighborhood." - JL
Soft Swerve co-owner (Jason) at S Wan Cafe (2020-10-07) by Steven YenWelcome to Chinatown
What should people order when they eat at the restaurant?
"Any of the breakfast combos posted on a large banner. My favorite lunch dish will always be the chicken & mushroom stir-fry spaghetti/ They have one of the best Hong Kong Style Milk Tea or the Ying Yeung (half coffee, half milk tea) that you will find in NYC." - JL
Welcome to Chinatown's Businesses Supporting Businesses spotlights were written by Nicole Lam and photographed by Steven Yen Photography. You can view the full versions of 12 Pell at Mee Sum Cafe, Soft Swerve at S Wan Cafe, and K.K. Discount at HK Wonton Garden on our website.
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