In today’s digital age where mobile ordering and online calendars have become the norm, many people have shifted away from using physical menus and wall calendars. However, in Los Angeles, there is still a Chinese printing business that continues to uphold its original mission after 40 years of dedicated work, earning praises from the community. The Fong sisters from Shunde, Guangdong, operate Fong’s Printing and Graphics in the San Gabriel Valley, serving as not only a valuable partner for Chinese restaurants but also a nostalgic memory for many Chinese Americans growing up in Los Angeles.
In the Southern California Chinese community, entrepreneurs like Fang Danni are a rare find. From being new immigrants to establishing a successful business, the 40 years of perseverance and dedication by the Fong sisters have witnessed the transformations in both the Chinese restaurant and printing industries. In Rosemead, they have not only run a company but also become a symbol of an era.
On July 12, Fong’s Printing celebrated its 40th anniversary, with the presence of Rosemead Acting Mayor Sandra Armenta, Monterey Park Mayor Vinh Ngo, Councilmember Henry Lo, as well as Councilmembers Alan Wu and Kaylee Law from Walnut, and California Congresswoman Judy Chu, who personally congratulated and presented awards at the event.
In the Southern California Chinese community, Fang Danni and Fong’s Printing are widely recognized names. Reflecting on the scene of arriving in the U.S. over 40 years ago, she laughed and said, “Everything started from scratch.”
In the 1980s, Fang Danni arrived in Los Angeles with an uncertain future. She came across a printing shop for takeover, and since she had a background in printing from Guangdong, she decided to take over the company after discussing with her family. Initially, Fong’s Printing operated in a small 800-square-foot space, where Fang Danni managed all aspects of the business alone. Later, her two sisters also came to the U.S., and the three sisters worked together to expand the business gradually from basic black-and-white printing to color printing, design services, covering a wide range of printing needs such as posters, menus, flyers, providing comprehensive services.
Fang Danni recalled that Fong’s Printing developed a deep connection with the restaurant industry from its early days. Her husband had been a chef in a restaurant, which led to many connections in the industry. Through mutual introductions and collaborations, Fong’s Printing naturally became the printing partner for many Chinese restaurants.
During its peak, almost all Chinese restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area were clients of Fong’s Printing. Fang Danni joked, “I probably know what each Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles sells and what their menus look like the best.”
Apart from printing menus, Fong’s Printing also participated in the publication of “Chinese Restaurant News,” which was an advertising and information platform for Chinese restaurants back then. “At that time, we had a concept of wanting to help enhance the image of Chinese restaurants. A well-designed menu makes it easier for customers to order and helps the restaurant’s business,” Fang Danni said. From small mom-and-pop restaurants to chain brands like Panda Express, almost every Chinese restaurant and food establishment in Southern California and even outside the state have found ways to collaborate with the Fong sisters.
When asked about the secret to their successful business, Fang Danni believes that the key lies in “persistence” and “integrity.” Even though the printing industry is not as prosperous as before, she chooses to continue operating and serving the community. She said, “Doing business is about satisfying customers, doing things clearly, and maintaining good quality.” She added, “After 40 years in the industry, customers continue to come back to us because they trust us.”
With the advancement of technology, restaurant menus have gradually shifted to QR code scanning, significantly reducing the demand for printed materials. Fang Danni admitted that they have indeed faced challenges in transitioning in recent years.
“In the past, everyone needed printed menus, but now many have switched to online ordering,” she said. However, Fong’s Printing continues to adjust according to customers’ needs. For instance, if customers now only need a few sample menus printed or require posters or small-scale printing, they are able to accommodate those orders.
The company’s machinery has been upgraded to handle orders of varying sizes flexibly, promising quick completion of orders, whether it’s ten or twenty posters or prints of special sizes.
Although Fong’s Printing is not a large-scale operation and some employees work part-time, the flexibility of working in a family workshop is notable. Fang Danni said, “If customers have needs, we will continue to provide service. Being able to operate for forty years is also a kind of blessing.” The company looks forward to reaching its 50th anniversary, navigating through the changes of the times to ensure stability and longevity.