In 2004, 18-year-old Kelly Yu packed up her young daughter and moved from Hong Kong to the United States in hopes of building a better future.
As a teenager in Hong Kong, Yu's first job was working at a McDonald's restaurant. She says she honed her customer service skills, which helped her land her first job as a server at a local Chinese restaurant in the Phoenix area. Eventually, Yu worked her way up to assistant manager.
“It was my auntie's dream to have her own restaurant,” explains Yu. “And I wanted to help her with her dream.”
So, in 2014, Yu joined forces with her aunt, Lisa Selamat, and purchased Kawaii Sushi and Asian Cuisine (KawaiiCuisine.com) on 67th Avenue and Happy Valley Road. Yu and Selamat opened the second Kawaii location on 83rd Avenue and Deer Valley Road four years later.
Both restaurants serve Japanese and Chinese fusion cuisine and have become beloved staples in their communities. The diverse menu features familiar favorites such as orange chicken and sweet and sour pork, along with handcrafted sushi rolls using the freshest, top-quality seafood.
“My grandma was a banquet chef in China, and she cooked for her village,” says Yu. “Many of our recipes are Cantonese and come from my grandma and grandpa.”
Family has been a driving force for Yu. Much of the staff at both restaurants is related to Yu and Selamat, but many are also young people from the community. Yu explains that her start as a young girl in the restaurant industry profoundly impacted her. She feels the importance of paying that forward and giving teenagers the opportunity she had.
“I was given a chance when I was young, so I want to do that for young people,” she explains. “Working in the service industry can help kids in many areas, and it also helps their families.”
Yu speaks fondly of one employee whom she hired as a teenager. “His parents were regular customers, and I hired him,” she says. “He started as a busser, then moved to dishwasher, and finally a server. He was able to put himself through college (at ASU). He even drove back here to help on weekends.”
Family and connection to the community have been vital to Kawaii's success. This month, the Glendale location will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Stop by either Kawaii location to support this local eatery.
“I was hired without experience but was given a chance. I want to give young people a chance. I want to empower and help them.”
