Mun Hing Cafe and Cocktail Lounge

The City’s permit card shows that the building was first plumbed in 1890 as a theatre.  Then in 1903, a four story brick store building was built, with 50 feet fronting on Hennepin Ave. and 130 feet down.

An article claims that this was the original Pence Building, owned by Henry E. Pence, the Buick Dealer.

 

 

 

In 1947 the kitchen was moved from the basement to the first floor.  Previously, the food was moved upstairs by dumbwaiters.  It was part of a big remodeling job at the restaurant.  William and Loy Wong were named as co-owners of the restaurant by the Minneapolis Star on October 27, 1947.

A 1948 ad promised “Delightful entertainment and choice of fine wines. Typical Chinese dinners prepared in our stainless steel kitchen.”

In May 1949, the William Wong was mentioned as manager.

On November 2, 1949, a Grand Opening was announced.  The manager was Harvey Roscoe.

In December 1951, the Mun Hing Co., Inc. was forced to pay $176,158 in back taxes, penalties, and fines to the IRS.  Two officers of the firm also paid an additional $1,000.  (Minneapolis Star, December 22, 1951)

In 1952 – 1954, the operator’s name was William C. Wong.

The building was demolished in April 1965, turned into a parking lot, and redeveloped.