STORY
高書常
Our Story Begins with BUCK KAO
Our restaurant started with Buck Shu-Chang Kao, founder, father, grandfather, and good friend to many. Buck was a decorated WWII veteran, a distinguished military attaché, a Taiwanese Diplomat in many countries around the world, and in 1972, he and his family immigrated to Dallas to start anew. After settling into his new home, he, and his friends, alongside a chef from Taiwan, collaborated to start a new endeavor, and in 1974, Royal China was born. Buck's contagious personality and commanding presence made Royal China an instant attraction for friends, families, and neighbors, and claimed our restaurant as a cornerstone of Dallas Cuisine. He saw customers as members of his extended family and he treated them as such. How much he is now missed is a reflection of how beloved he was by family and customers alike.
His son, George, and his wife, April, continue to preserve Buck's legacy with fresh and modern new additions while maintaining his commitment to serving their community. George is almost always there to greet customers, new and regulars, with a robust welcome and hearty laugh, while April works behind the scenes, either pulling noodles or tending to the business side of the restaurant. Together they work in tandem to ensure their customers, their extended family, leave with a great experience, a full belly, and a yearning to come back soon.
created in china
made in dallas
1970s - April and George in the kitchen, George and Peter with the football outside
Post card from the old Safari steak restaurant from the 60‘s
All of our carved wood panels, tables and chairs are from the original Safari Restaurant
Hear the story of Royal China from the family members themselves
Video from Royal China’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Buck and Shirley's Children (left to right, youngest to oldest): Peter, David, Linda, and George
The building before Preston Royal Shopping Center was a shopping center!
Friends and family visiting in 1975, the street on the left is Royalton Dr. before the shopping center connected the two buildings, adding more shops.
