R&G Lounge: Chelsea Hung Is Leading a Chinatown Legacy Into Its Next Chapter
Discover how Chelsea honors her family's heritage by leading R&G Lounge, a San Francisco staple renowned for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and signature dishes.
In the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, R&G Lounge stands as a testament to enduring family legacy and culinary excellence. Chelsea, the current owner, didn't initially envision herself at the helm of the family restaurant. Her father, originally in construction, co-founded R&G Lounge over 40 years ago after seizing an opportunity to purchase and transform a local eatery he was hired to remodel. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Chelsea shares, "Instead of doing the renovations, my dad saw an opportunity and decided to buy the restaurant."
Growing up immersed in the restaurant's vibrant environment, Chelsea developed a profound connection to the community and the family business. Despite a successful career in the tech industry, she felt a compelling pull to continue her parents' legacy. "I knew I wanted to continue my parents' legacy and was willing to figure it out along the way," she explains. Witnessing numerous Chinatown establishments close due to a lack of next-generation involvement, Chelsea was determined not to let R&G Lounge face a similar fate. She made the bold decision to leave her tech job and dedicate herself fully to the restaurant, emphasizing that the journey required not just confidence, but unwavering commitment and resilience.
Signature Dishes That Define Excellence
R&G Lounge's menu boasts over 150 dishes, each reflecting the rich tapestry of Cantonese cuisine. Among these, several have garnered acclaim and become synonymous with the restaurant's identity:
Salt & Pepper Live Crab: A standout favorite, this dish features fresh live crabs delivered daily, expertly prepared with a crispy batter infused with salt and pepper. Chelsea notes, "We're best known for our salt and pepper crab, fresh live crabs delivered daily."
R&G Special Beef: This secret recipe offers tender, juicy beef enveloped in a subtly sweet glaze, delivering a harmonious blend of flavors that keeps patrons returning.
Peking Duck: A classic delicacy, the duck is meticulously prepared to achieve crispy skin and succulent meat, embodying traditional Cantonese culinary artistry.
Lobster Sticky Rice: This dish combines succulent lobster with flavorful sticky rice, creating a rich and satisfying experience.
Lychee Martini: Complementing the culinary offerings, this signature cocktail provides a refreshing and unique accompaniment to the meal.
Ensuring the freshness and quality of ingredients is paramount. Chelsea elaborates on their sourcing practices: "For seafood such as crab and lobster, we actually have to find vendors who are able to accommodate the volumes that we need to order and be consistent... We have a minimum size that we need for crab and lobster, which is about two pounds." Additionally, the restaurant collaborates with local Chinatown produce stores, with staff selecting the best vegetables daily to maintain high standards.
A Spacious Venue for Memorable Gatherings
R&G Lounge's expansive three-story layout offers versatile dining options, accommodating both intimate dinners and large celebrations. Chelsea describes the setup: "We have larger parties and we have larger tables, which take up more space... I would say between 50 to 60 [tables], seating is almost like between 350 to 400." This flexibility makes the restaurant a preferred choice for various events, from family gatherings to corporate functions.
Insights for Aspiring Restaurateurs
Drawing from her experience transitioning from tech to the restaurant industry, Chelsea offers valuable advice: "The restaurant industry is a test of resilience. It's not necessarily about how many times you make a mistake or fail, because it's bound to happen. It's about how many times you get back up and keep going." She emphasizes the importance of community engagement, suggesting that businesses should strive to be places where customers not only enjoy meals but also create lasting memories. Consistency is another cornerstone of R&G Lounge's success, ensuring that signature dishes maintain their quality and continue to delight patrons.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
While the primary focus remains on enhancing R&G Lounge's service and culinary offerings, Chelsea remains open to growth opportunities. She states, "For growth opportunities, if the right opportunity comes along, we would definitely consider it." This forward-thinking approach ensures that the restaurant continues to evolve while staying true to its cherished traditions.