Business of the Month November 2008

It’s a long way from Canton City, China to Heber City, Utah, USA. Elena and Leslie Luo made that journey nearly two decades ago. Now well established in their new home, they’ve created a business that not only reflects their old “hometown” but is named for it – Canton City, the Chinese restaurant located at 281 N. Main Street in Heber City.

Elena manages the restaurant, which serves Chinese-American cuisine. Leslie is the head chef. Elena said when they first opened at their location at 26 N. Main, they worked from 8 a.m. until midnight daily. “It is harder than other jobs [because] your work is never finished,” she said.

Although the hours are long and vacations, let alone taking a day off, are rare, Elena and Leslie said for them, the restaurant business is a way of life. The two started out in California, learning the restaurant business. In 1996 they became part-owners of a restaurant in Bountiful, Utah. That restaurant was later sold. The partners, Leslie and his brothers, used the proceeds to open their own restaurants at other locations in Utah.

Elena and Leslie considered settling in many areas from California to Colorado. Leslie said the two were looking for a small, safe community to own a business and raise their children. He said, “We didn’t want a big city – too much crime, too many crowds.” They finally settled on Heber City and opened Canton City in 2001, at 26 N. Main St. In 2006 they built and moved into the new Canton City restaurant at 281 N. Main St.

Canton City has proven successful. The menu is tried and true. Leslie said he took dishes from a much larger menu served at the Bountiful restaurant and has pared in down to the most popular entrees and sides. He does allow for a little creativity, however. Occasionally, when he wants to try something new he will present as a special. If the customers like it enough, it might find a permanent place on the menu.

For more information about Canton City, call 654-3338. The restaurant is casual dining, no reservations required and offers take out.