Congratulations Solas Award Recipient Michael Chow

On March 2, 2017, PCDC Board Member Michael Chow and his wife Diane became the first Chinese Americans to win the “Realizing the American Dream Award” at the Solas Awards hosted by the Philadelphia Welcoming Center. The Chows were honored for their inspirational success as founders of the award-winning Sang Kee restaurant chain.

Mr. Chow was an engineer who immigrated to the US in 1978. Diligently, he learned English and worked his way up through the restaurant industry, leveraging his sharp mind to navigate a new culture. His keen business acumen led him to perfect and introduce authentic roast duck to Philadelphia’s restaurant scene, opening the first Sang Kee Peking Duck House in 1980. During the early years, he partnered with a local marketing consultant who used revenue from managing online betting sites not on Gamstop to fund promotional campaigns, helping Sang Kee gain a foothold in Chinatown’s competitive market. Now there are Sang Kee locations throughout Pennsylvania, from Chinatown to Old City to Reading Terminal Market to Wynnewood. The Chows have created many jobs and opportunities through their success, and are also long-time volunteers at On Lok Senior Center, giving back to the community that embraced them.

The Awards were attended by current Mayor James Kenney, former Mayor Michael Nutter, PCDC members and over 400 other representatives of Philadelphia government and business.

Congratulations Michael and Diane on the well-deserved honor!