This mural pays homage to Chinese American restaurants that were located in the Heartside Neighborhood. Highlighting two restaurants, Sun Sai Gai and Tea Garden Cafe, which introduced Chinese cuisine and fed the community for decades.
In 1880 less than 30 Chinese men lived in Michigan, racism and laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 kept most Chinese out of the country or prohibited them from obtaining citizenship until it was repealed in 1943. As a result, Chinese immigrants built their own communities and businesses. Grand Rapids had its own Chinatown in the 1900s.
Tea Garden Cafe was established in 1924 by a Chinese family who lived above the restaurant in the 300 block of Division. Chan Tai Wo, popularly known as "Charlie Chan" and cousins Chan Hoy and Charles Young, operated the Tea Garden Cafe for twenty years.
In 1949, Fong Toy and Alvin Chin opened Sun Sai Gai at 19 S. Division, Chin lived just across the street at 24 1/2 S. Division. Sun Sai Gai translates to “New Prosperity,” and their investment showed. A small restaurant with just thirteen booths and eleven tables, Chinese lanterns hung from the green ceiling with brown paneling and red flecked wallpaper lining the walls. These restaurants were pride and joy for many Chinese neighbors.
