For decades, Yuan Hai “Papa” Teng and his wife, Mei, have led Jeng Chi in Richardson’s Chinatown. Sometimes you can find Papa Teng there earlier than anyone.This story is part of Asian American Bustle, an occasional series publishing during Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
working at the business. In total, nine members of Francisco’s family, including his wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and nephew, work at the restaurant.“This thing, all the good, the bad, the ugly; it’s a lot of work, there’s screaming and arguing,” Francisco said. “But there’s also this human connection. It becomes this groove that makes the place come alive.”Francisco said he, his mother and one of his brothers moved to Richardson in 1985.
“It was very simple, humble beginnings, nothing extravagant,” Francisco said. “There was a need for a small, Asian-owned, mom-and-pop restaurant.”Taking over the family restaurant was a “conscious” decision, Francisco said, but it wasn’t always part of the plan. In the early 2000s, he studied graphic design at the University of North Texas, where he met mentors who helped him land a job at a well-known fashion company, Teng said.
“Even when they grew, they didn’t really change their ways... we had maybe a 20% American clientele,” he said. “It had all of the pros of a mom-and-pop and all the cons of a mom-and-pop.” “We still do lunch together,” he said. ”The chefs cook food, and all the employees sit together and eat together. It’s a memory of people being close.”As someone who married into the family, Janelle Teng has had an up-close look at Francisco’s relationship with Jeng Chi.“My in-laws, they trust me... and it’s a huge compliment to have these two individuals trust me to guide the business to its success,” Janelle said.
It was difficult for the couple to make friends in their younger years — they were consumed with keeping the restaurant afloat. Now that they’re retired, some of Mama Teng’s best friends are longtime customers. Rather than watching Korean dramas all day from her couch, Mama Teng says she prefers coming out to greet familiar faces.
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