Series Preface: Asian Media Access proudly presents “Calling America HOME” Series, inspired by the resilience and hope of immigrants and refugees from across the Asian diaspora who have rebuilt their lives in Minnesota. Through these stories, we invite readers to witness a legacy of survival, determination, and hope forged against impossible odds. 

In this edition, we proudly feature Teddy Wong and the House of Wong.

Teddy Wong had a fulfilling 95 years, marked by an inspiring tale of grit, passion, and hospitality. He is remembered as a family man, a World War II veteran, and the founder of House of Wong and their famous pies.

Teddy Wong was born into the Greatest Generation on February 7, 1924, in North Dakota to hard-working Chinese immigrant parents. From a young age, Teddy recognized the value of hard work. His parents worked around the clock, at least 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the middle of the Great Depression in 1932, his parents brought the family back to Guangdong Province, China. Teddy spent most of his early school years in Southern China until his Father passed away after 3 months later after battling cancer. Then, in 1937, his mother sent him back to Fargo alone to work at his Uncle Phil’s restaurant, American Cafe. 

Teddy spent most of his time at American Cafe washing dishes, busing, and waiting tables until his junior year of high school. He was drafted into the U.S. Army for 3 years, from 1943 to 1946, during World War II. He survived many battles, including the Invasion of Saipan and the Battle of the Philippine Sea, as a member of the 773rd Amphibious Tank Battalion in the Pacific Theater. He faced the perils of wartime with courage and embodied quiet strength and humility that would go on to define the rest of his life. At age 88, Teddy received an honorary diploma from Fargo Central High School in recognition of his sacrifice in high school.

Following the war, Teddy returned to China and married his beloved wife, Laura, in 1948. Together, they moved to North Dakota and built a life centered around hospitality and hard work. Teddy worked at Fargo Cafe, a restaurant where his dad used to work and co-owned. Fargo Cafe is where Teddy learned to perfect his culinary craft by baking pies through trial and error and with passion. It was during these early years that he developed 2 signature recipes that would later become his famous muffins and apple pie.

Teddy later co-owned his first restaurant, Pheasant Cafe, where he learned the ins and outs of restaurant operations. In 1956, his co-owner influenced Teddy and Laura to move to Minnesota with their children. Together, Teddy and Laura continued to work in the restaurant industry. They worked side by side at a small take-out restaurant, saving up to purchase their own restaurant. After much determination, the husband and wife opened the House of Wong in Roseville, MN, in 1958.

The House of Wong was more than just a restaurant; it was a community for over 60 years. It is Roseville’s oldest family-owned restaurant, serving quality Chinese, American, and Italian food.  Teddy honored his Chinese-American culture through cuisine and decor. The cover art on the House of Wong menus is of his home and village. Later, Teddy donated money to help his friend, Harry Wong, establish a school in his hometown village in China. Teddy wanted the community to have a better life with a modern school. 

Teddy taught his family the value of hard work and compassion. In 2001, Teddy and Laura transferred ownership of the restaurant to their daughter, Renee, and son, John, and later sold it to a member of their staff in 2007. This way, the family could spend more time together as Teddy had 12 grandchildren. Teddy stayed on to cook, bake, and support the business until his retirement at 89 in 2013. The iconic apple pie remains on the menu for loyal customers who have dined at House of Wong for years and across generations. 

Teddy Wong passed away on January 25, 2020, peacefully in his sleep. He was a hero to his country, a loving brother, husband, Father, and grandfather to his family, and a legend to the Twin Cities, especially the Roseville community. His legacy lives on, one meal and slice of apple pie at a time. The House of Wong restaurant is located at 1135 Larpenteur Ave W in Roseville, Minnesota.

Asian Media Access had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Teddy Wong 17 years ago. Watch the video here to hear Teddy’s legacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ugrWn0jclE