Post #740520 by Dustycajun on Wed, Apr 1, 2015 7:47 AM

I have always wondered about the possible tie in between Benny Chan, who owned the Chinafood Kitchen and the Polynesian, and Johnny Quong who owned the Tiki Hut and the Beachboy among others. Well, it turns out that Johnny Quong originally started the Polynesian (called the Polynesian Room)and the Chinafood Kitchen. Here is an ad from 1961 listing all of Johnny's restaurants, with the Tiki Hut just about to open.

1961 ad for Johnny's Polynesian Room - looks like Johnny used the old rain on the roof indoor storm trick.

1962 ad for Johnny's Polynesian Room and the Tiki Hut.

In 1963 Benny Chang took over the Polynesian Room and re-branded it as the Polynesian. Here is an ad from the Grand Opening in August, 1963. You can see the new Polynesian spear sign on the front of the building.

An here is Benny's story. He was the manager chef at the Chinafood Kitchen and hooked up with his old boss from Ely's Hotel Nevada to purchase the place. They don't mention Johnny Quong so I wonder if it was a hostile takeover!

From 1963 forward it was Benny and Bonni running the show.

Cool stuff from Salt Lake City.

DC