The oldest Chinese restaurant in America

The oldest continuously-running Chinese restaurant in the U.S., the Pekin Noodle Parlor, has been feeding customers in Butte, Montana, since 1911. Correspondent Luke Burbank visits the multi-generational family business and takes a step into culinary history.
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[@redheadjp5267]

I’ve worked in restaurants for 36 years as a server(I’m currently unemployed) and this video brought me to tears. So much history, people’s livelihoods and hard work gone. 😢

[@goodputin4324]

Why you're unemployed?

[@coco.combat]

@@goodputin4324 because of the second world war……

[@artkirby7416]

Me too friend

[@artkirby7416]

@@goodputin4324 tend to your own affairs. Mind your business. Better yet don't ask. Nosey

[@GoodAttitude-hq4tt]

You have no idea If you’ve never eaten here The food is terrible Read the reviews

[@generalhezakiyageorge3070]

I LIVE HERE IN BUTTE AND JERRY IS AWESOME AND HIS EXTENDED FAMILY SORRY FOR YOUR DAD FOR PASSING AWAY RIP. JERRY AND YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY

[@warrenlauzon5315]

"Weren't always so welcome" is an understatement.

[@HelenGPitts]

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[@roz805]

That running list of now closed iconic restaurants was so sad

[@WILLIAMCHANEL]

Here in New Orleans, I was shocked when K-Paul’s closed. It was rather inconceivable. Since then, we’ve lost so many more. It is very sad, indeed.

[@brucef310]

@@WILLIAMCHANEL I love Commanders Palace.

[@WILLIAMCHANEL]

@@brucef310 they have a new, female executive chef! The first one in their history. I’m very excited to check out the new offerings once the vaccine is distributed! 😊

[@SgtSplatter782]

I was shocked when a friend in NYC told me of Phillip Marie's closing. That was place was an institution in NY.

[@sianstpaul1349]

Such a beautiful story. It is the story of “US”.

[@GregStallion]

Please don’t let this place close! I want to go there once this pandemic is over!

[@lindafukuyu5767]

You have to be there and eat before they're closing down. They would close it permanently IF there's no customers dining in or out. So, Let's go there and buy from this restaurant and give them suggestion to restore the basement and make it a museum.

[@brucef310]

Wow go now.

[@LilRed90skid]

The pandemic is never going to end lol

[@lindafukuyu5767]

@@LilRed90skid It's Not Pandemic .. It's Plandemic !

[@Rubycon99]

This "pandemic" is only going to be over when enough people wake up and demand it be over... so yeah, probably never.

[@tomherron4334]

I wish I had known about this place when I was in Butte three years ago.

[@kelgreen99]

I just read a few Google reviews. I don't think you missed much!

[@sportsfan1683]

@@kelgreen99 At first, I thought you were hating. But, the Google reviews for the food really are bad. Interesting. So, maybe the business woes aren't due solely to Covid?

[@nghtwtchmn129]

FBI agents who displeased J. Edgar Hoover were exiled to Butte, Montana. Little did Hoover know that agents who liked hunting and fishing ended up loving Montana.

[@RaymondHng]

@@sportsfan1683 Looked at the menu. It's American Chinese food for beginners. One goes there for the experience, not the food. This is the type of "Chinese" cuisine Cecilia Chiang was shocked about when she encountered it and started her own restaurant. This 2014 _CBS Sunday Morning_ segment on her was recently uploaded. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3Oqf6OFj9pmr9k

[@Rentfree404]

Let's go back together #blackcoffeeparty #remygolden

[@theylied1776]

I'm using this Chinese Restaurant as inspiration for my Civil War script. There were Chinese men that served in the Union Army and went West after the Civil War.

[@Melissa0774]

That sounds like a good idea.

[@harry8201]

Hopefully Biden acknowledges this community

[@chrisp7110]

Glad you are doing it. I feel ike we need to know more about the truth with Chinese in America.

[@ronaldmcdonald3965]

@Franklin MacGillacuddy 20,000 Chinese Americans served in WWII. My uncle was awarded the Bronze Star, and my father the purple heart

[@ronaldmcdonald3965]

@Franklin MacGillacuddy He was one of the first dozen across the Siegfried Line. He bent over to tie his shoe lace. Guy next to him had his head blown off. Recon Platoon. He resented my dad who did not see combat toward the end of the war, since the army kept sending him to school (radio, ect). Patton's 3rd Army, Armored Communications unit.

[@sportsfan1683]

This is definitely a place to visit when in Butte, Montana.

[@michellemeyer1214]

A “Go Fund Me” should be set up. That’s amazing that this place is so old.

[@scubadiva666]

@Michelle Meyer Well-do it!

[@sonicjet7759]

It's good Chinese food :) you can't close a place like that.

[@Shimizuchan1898]

What a beautiful story. Thank you for such great coverage and inclusivity CBS!!!

[@ddoubleu170]

Shout out to this family, man. This is awesome.

[@joeblow4983]

I'm glad they're still here. Truly a piece of American history. I'f I'm even toward the west coast I'll be sure to stop in.

[@dondark6423]

Such a beautiful story. It is the story of “US”.

[@Acedscy]

Survived the Great Flu of 1918, sincerely believe they will pull through this. Keep going, stay strong!

[@virus2003]

It's not the illness that is hurting them, it's the draconian response.

[@stbrian1861]

This makes want to hop on the next flight to BTM (Bert Mooney Airport) and dine to satisfy my craving for Chinese Cuisine and support this institution of America.

[@pennycowher6328]

I love your stories on Sunday

[@gigistoner8004]

I use to watch my Sunday shows on the TV. Sunday Morning and then the political show Face the Nation. I now watch both on KZbin, but in reverse order. It better serves my health as it helps to lower my blood pressure.

[@buttkid3548]

CBS Sunday Morning is the only show I regularly watch.

[@bluekarma4]

Opened in 1911, 7 years before the 1918 Pandemic. Crazy.

[@markomib]

Butte is actually an amazing, and thoroughly overlooked gem. the whole downtown is a preserved time capsule of 1880s - 1920s, although much of it is vacant and has been for maybe a hundred years. it was a wealthy city, that quickly went broke around the depression and never recovered. population dropped from over 100,000 to a couple thousand, so all the beautiful buildings and homes were never torn down. it is kind of coming back to life with artists moving in - but there are so many great things there that need to be restored - hotels, department stores, private clubs, apartment buildings. It is, unfortunately, nowhere near anything, but if you're on i90 driving through - stop for the historic district.

[@dsuttajit]

People are slowly moving to Montana again due to cheaper houses and some hi-tech companies are moving there

[@abdenbichikoun2652]

Laotian proverb « When elephants fight, it is the ants that die. »

[@Belioyt]

Swahili Proverb: "When two bulls fight, the grass get hurt"

[@kennethrichmond9527]

Going to make that a tattoo

[@amyjordan9162]

A must visit! The booths are cool!

[@stanleyhape8427]

Appalachian proverb : He who toucha my fried chicken drawath back a bloody nub.

[@michaelpoe6546]

@@stanleyhape8427 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@MusicforMe123]

They should make this place into a restaurant and museum attraction. They could bring tourists from all over, it is great for business and the town.

[@dsuttajit]

I agree

[@rasat4829]

Awesome! I wish I could go there right now and eat some food.

[@worldcitizeng6507]

For the time being, you can find some recipes to try, e.g. Jamie Oliver Dumplings sisters, they made many different dishes 😋

[@dsuttajit]

I was try food there as an experience of eating at oldest Chinese restaurant in America even though

[@dsuttajit]

I was try food there as an experience of eating at oldest Chinese restaurant in America even though

[@buukute]

This is a piece of history, please don't let it disappear!

[@dsuttajit]

Yes hopefully they will continue to outlive Panda Express

[@teresarae9]

I absolutely love this story! What great culture. Now, I want to visit this cultural and culinary treasure.

[@dsuttajit]

The reason why this restaurant is still around because Danny Wong had built relationships with his customers for decades until he died and people still wanted to come to his restaurant so his son Jerry Tam still continues his ancestors’ legacy.

[@timmyjones1921]

The whole bldg should be placed on Montana Historical Site Status .

[@MarkPemble]

I think the entire city is on the Historic Site List

[@johnchristie9904]

@@MarkPemble yes

[@steevthetech]

A must visit! The booths are cool!

[@patriciavincent5076]

This place must keep going. It's too precious to lose!

[@SL-lz9jr]

They’ve got a museum beneath their restaurant! So cool. From a Chinese American (1st generation American) who was almost a 3rd generation American (my great grandpa gambled away his papers that would’ve allowed him to come to the US). Love this story!

[@michaelfrench3396]

It's amazing how far we've come. We have friends around the world, but we don't know our neighbors.

[@ellensstory4429]

I would love to go there. What a history it has. I love Chinese food. Such a treasure. I hope they can keep going.

[@andersonshumate]

Where are all those celebrities eager to "help" when things like this happen? This is an institution worth saving.

[@aznsmileyagain4527]

How about the people who are paying the celebrities chipping in? They are the ones who got richer and richer under this administration.

[@WILLIAMCHANEL]

I would watch an hour about this place.

[@Rhaspun]

A PBS special about restaurants like this one.

[@pinksapphire.2262]

I owned a small restaurant for a while when I was in my early 30s it was my dream and I did a really good job at it but it takes so much dedication and I started to have a family and found that we were all ships in the night. It wasn’t a typical Asian family where the kids and the parents all worked for the same goal it was an Americanized marriage where the father was trying to create his financial empire and I was trying to teach my children about empathy and caring for others and seeing a bigger picture. My oldest son honors that my younger son has been spoiled by his father.

[@Mickcotton]

Absolutely Amazing. I wish them luck. I hope they make it ❤️

[@edzeppelin]

@ 3:30 Do not EVER take a plate or drink from a server- too many accidents happen! Let the server SERVE you, and place the dish or drink in front of you.

[@jw7268]

Yeah especially since Asian dishes' temperature usually beats the surface temperature of the sun. Also a great way to stave off the 'Rona.

[@Red4350]

thats so awesome for the news to do a broadcast about this place. very historic and its sad to hear that they're not sure how long the business will stay open. I know around here in Philly...most Chinese places are open but a few that were struggling are closed for good due to the pandemic. Im sure the news broadcast will bring in some more customers because not only is this a historic place, but the preview of the food looked delish!

[@worldcitizeng6507]

The orange colored booths reminded me of the movie IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE 1960s Hong Kong

[@2006glg]

I'd love to see a movie or Netflix series about this family from the beginning.

[@HerAeolianHarp]

Yes, this and Lisa See's On Gold Mountain.

[@tng3155]

I agree! Trace their humble beginning to the present generation!

[@WILLIAMCHANEL]

Yes!!

[@dsuttajit]

I believe they will make the movie about longest living Chinese restaurant in America like Michael Keaton’s McDonalds movie The Founder or Dragon The Bruce Lee Story

[@dsuttajit]

I believe they will make the movie about longest living Chinese restaurant in America like Michael Keaton’s McDonalds movie The Founder or Dragon The Bruce Lee Story

[@paulchezkari6952]

Towns people look like good folks, nice to see terrific customers 🎉🎉. And more Chinese Restaurants than McDonald's??!! Did not know that, wow.

[@txryder79]

Several Iconic restaurants and stores that have been around all my life have been closed forever due to the lockdowns. I'm 56.

[@WootTootZoot]

The food there is really good. Go, call for an order, support this man and his family. It's the American way.

[@kadegeach3721]

I live in Butte, it's like 70$ for a full family to eat. My great grandmother worked there and her daughter and my mom. It's my favorite restaurant ever but for what I want it's to expensive so it's more of a treat. They also used to have curtains on the booths. They actually grow their Lima beans in the basement. If you can spend allot it's the best.

[@kadegeach3721]

Also below the basement they have a massive opium den. It collapsed in the 90's but they still have access to massive tunnels the Chinese used because they were really not liked by the white people. If you Google Buttes history you'll find allot of crazy facts. Just saying :)

[@jkl6868]

@@kadegeach3721 should the chinese get reparation too?

[@ohhyokkwon2586]

Love these kind of stories. Please do more!

[@jbi1839]

"There are more Chinese restaurants than Mcdonald's".

[@kevinj2261]

That's why America is such a great country, always open-minded never afraid to accept foreign things,always young

[@SurvivalModeDT]

Hold up. For $10 you get two entrees and one side order??? Out here in the bay area, you pay that amount for ONE ENTREE! ...And no side order!

[@carmelaszymanski8104]

I Lived in Nassau County. 1 Chinese restaurant. Green leather booths. Round Family tables. THE BEST EVER EGG DROP SOUP. BEST EVER CHICKEN CHOW MIEN AND SWEET SOUR PORK.. Nothing like today.. Life Better Then..

[@christsciple]

As someone from the area, having eaten there a number of times in college, it's about the worst food I've had anywhere! No seasonings, no flavor, no color, just really poor food that my Japanese, Korean, Indian, Indonesian, and Chinese roommates all said were a disgrace to real Chinese and Asian cooking.

[@ceooflonelinessinc.267]

Tank you CBS Sunday Morning for providing this free videos. I have no access to CBS in my country on Television, so I can watch here on KZbin.

[@Hashdollars]

Sam Wo restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown has been in operation since 1908, built after the earthquake.

[@Birdylockso]

If I'm not mistaken, it seems the original Sam Wo location is gone now. So, it can no longer claim to be the oldest running Chinese restaurant in the US. Healthcare code violation or something.

[@Hashdollars]

@@Birdylockso I never said they had any claim, they have had to change locations a few hundred feet at least once since 1908, unlike this place here. Sam Wo is also delicious and open to this day as I live in San Francisco. I wasn’t just reciting things I don’t know about.

[@BullCricket75]

Keep on keepin on! I wish you the best!

[@sabrina9333]

It such a balancing act to keep a restaurant open 🤹🏻‍♀️ It's the same for a Salon/ Spa.

[@andersonfreeman4886]

Hello Sabrina, how are you?

[@sabrina9333]

@@andersonfreeman4886 doing well and you?

[@andersonfreeman4886]

@@sabrina9333 am doing great

[@andersonfreeman4886]

Nice meeting you...where are you from?

[@shrimboy7492]

If u want some fried rice, try one from all the local chinese restaurants. There is always one that fit ur taste buds. Just don' get it at Panda Express.

[@sct4040]

Not Panda Express.

[@sharonroy2645]

Panda express is the worst

[@matt_tron1014]

I never tried Panda Express lol

[@FORBIDCharlie1986]

Dude...the yelp page for this spot! 😨 There was a picture of fried rice with cut up DELI chicken cold cut. Panda Express is better.

[@shrimboy7492]

@@FORBIDCharlie1986 well if ur neck of the woods only have PE.. Then u really don't have a choice.. LoL

[@bcd4562]

If I lived a little closer... hope they're still going strong.

[@ceal4046]

This should be preserved as a building of historical significance. In the UK we have listed buildings, this basically means they cannot be changed, does this sort of protection exist in the US?

[@scubadiva666]

"…more Chinese restaurants than McDonald's" 3:00 may have to do with the fact that until recently, there weren't any vegan options at McDonald's, whereas at most Chinese restaurants-and Asian restaurants in general-one can usually get an acceptable or even great vegan/vegetarian meal.

[@tobacco118]

NY Times article from 2015. There're more Chinese restaurants than McDonalds, Burger King and KFC combined.

[@scubadiva666]

@@tobacco118 Do you have the link?

[@tobacco118]

@@scubadiva666 Nope

[@MaidenUtah1]

Now that the election is over, can we please see more stories like this and none of politics? Thank you Sincerely, Like #2K And Change

[@iceomistar4302]

Thank you, the politics gives me a headache

[@SKtube0]

Very interesting piece of history. The oldest and longest running Chinese restaurant is in Montana and has cool pieces of history all throughout the building. Hope they survive this pandemic. We can't let little gems like this fade away!

[@dsuttajit]

I believe they’re still doing pretty good and survived the pandemic

[@navaskin]

I appreciate this story.

[@ShlisaShell]

I HAVE BEEN THERE!!! 1987

[@Famegonna9999]

He should turn the basement into a museum and take care of his father's suitcase.

[@damatar]

That brief montage at the end really got to me. :(

[@battroidattack]

2:59 That's Gim's kitchen in Alameda, California. My hometown!

[@yingliu814]

Love Alameda! Hello from Berkeley:)

[@EttaBailey-Jesus]

I ate there as a child!!! My dad worked in the copper mines there!! Great memories!!!

[@ABCantonese]

Good stopping point of you are traveling from Yellowstone/Grand Teton to points North such as Calgary and Glacier NP

[@oneplanetearth]

Thank YOu CBS for bringing up this news

[@CAMBODiANCh1natownChick]

Incredible story ❤

[@Iamnosey]

💕😊thanks for this!

[@Undead1963]

I don’t recommend ordering chop suey ANYWHERE .

[@angelachanellehuang5663]

Some updated would be nice

[@jessicafallen9455]

I just started liking chinese food recently this year

[@pjacobsen1000]

I just started liking you earlier today :-)

[@boricua2992]

This is super enlightening especially because I’m reading the “Fortune Cookie Chronicles” by Jennifer!

[@chrisaguilera1564]

So sad... so many history lost this year. I would very much like to go there some today. I hope they make it. Those private booths are certainly a help.

[@accalloway1950]

If I were in Butte right now I would make a huge order. I hope this wonderful place is able to servive.

[@Willowcreek19]

Butte has some of the most authentic American history imaginable. Good and bad. If you understand Butte, you understand America.

[@randytimson9873]

The restaurant has the best chance to survive with separate little rooms and order/pickup. I hope they make it through the pandemic!

[@shawsteflo2088]

The westerners, especially the Politicians will NEVER appreciate the kindness and generosity of the Chinese people living Western countries!

[@mattyredrock]

This is aweaome...and very sad at the same time.

[@operasinger2126]

Got to support these type of businesses!

[@kristawelch3821]

I remember eating there as a kid! There and Pork Chop John's. I grew up on the hill!

[@M1lk1000]

so much american history hidden in a uniquely chinese american space. god bless all the immigrants who have come to this country and added their own fabric to the landscape

[@pahkwan3143]

I 've been there before !! the food was so good .. !!

[@Rhaspun]

When the camera was panning all the food plates. They all looked so scrumptious.

[@charlesleung8476]

This place should become a museum

[@ronaldmcdonald3965]

Great story. Planning a fishing trip there next year. Hope to stop by! There is an old Chinese Restaurant in Elko, NV. too.

[@johnnguyen6159]

Unfortunately even prior to the pandemic, restaurants in historic Chinatowns in many major cities were declining due to many younger generations of Asian Americans not taking over family business, gentrification, and if Asian restaurants were to open they would be located in the suburbs.

[@53smalltrain]

Working in Chinese restaurant is extremely tough job.If you are the owner, long hours but you ain't making much profits by comparison to the western cuisine together with the overpriced refreshments and wines. If you are working as a Chinese chef, you get stuck in high temperature kitchen all the time cuz Chinese food has to be cooked and served hot, hot, hot . That's why Asian younger generations would abandon these family business once they are highly educated and get a more good pay jobs in all modern offices.

[@中華傲訣]

General Tso ‘s 🐔 chicken.... chop suey...fortune cookies... chow mein... sweet and sour pork... I think these should be the most popular Chinese dish in America.

[@sirnamelaw]

Definitely an iconic place and a part of American history. Looking at it with different lenses, it's not just a Chinese restaurant, it's really an American restaurant that serves Americanized food with Chinese influences. For a restaurant that can be passed to three generations is astounding. Do you know why Chinese parents work so hard in their restaurants? They want their children to have a better life and not have to endure those long hours on their feet at the restaurant. There might be a silver lining; some of the children might be relieved to have have to bear the legacy.

[@wclark4121]

Great story. The pandemic did not close these restaurants, The local government RESPONSE to the pandemic closed these restaurants.

[@elizabethmills8667]

May they enjoy continuous have Goid Fortune Foid looks delicious And Wow from 1911

[@andersonfreeman4886]

Hello Elizabeth,how are you doing today?

[@cosybully]

Wish I had known about this restaurant when I was in Butte thirty years ago.

[@ArmHeavySoCal]

The oldest Chinese food restaurant is in Butte, Montana. I think that it's a great idea to have some original Chinese food.

[@tinnelledwards1408]

Wow what a beautiful story this is American heritage right here I love it they need to keep this peace of history and landmark for as long as they can WOW!!! I wouldn't have never guessed Montana was the oldest Chinese resturant in the USA!!!

[@PaliAha]

Um I want ti know why the Pekin in Butte Montana is the oldest consecutively run Chinese restaurant. Why Butte?

[@celestialether1184]

They should register as a historic site.

[@andybaldman]

I would love to take a Pekin to this place.

[@723lion]

After a long day of work, 1 beer and a BBQ pork and some fried rice will just complete my day.

[@ehole593]

Unfortunately, American retailers will see their worst season in 30+ years due to lack of a stimulus package for the people. No money = No spending. Blame Congress.

[@aaronm8143]

Chinese food is as American as BBQ. Well American Chinese style food. What makes today’s America so great is how much we embrace all Americans backgrounds.

[@danielyu6399]

Should make a museum

[@jolyfrye1871]

Chinese food 🥢🍜 is the best cuisine in the world. 🌏 My absolute favorite. I hope the restaurant stays in business. U have a very interesting culture.

[@vegasgal777]

Sadly add Pamplemousse le Restaurant in Las Vegas, NV 44 years to the list of restaurant covid-19 casualties.

[@vinnygi]

That sucks. I went there many times.