Commentary: Lights camera action, Folsom's Hop Sing Palace goes national

Those from Folsom tuning into the Home Box Office (HBO) Max Network last Thursday saw a familiar establishment on their television screens as Hop Sing Palace was the focus of the opening episode of "Take Out with Lisa Ling." Many may recall well over a year ago when we did a story about Ling's presence in Historic Folsom as she began filming at the well-known Chinese and American Food eatery that has been a Folsom icon since 1957. It was at that time that Ling was returning to her Sacramento heritage for her first special titled, "Finding Your Roots." A Carmichael native, Ling was raised in the Carmichael area of Sacramento County and Hop Sing Palace has more meaning to her than just a favorite eatery growing up. Ling's grandfather opened the establishment that was once known as the "Hop Sing Eat Shoppe" at 707 Sutter St. in Folsom's Historic District before it moved to its present location at 805 Sutter St., where it continues to serve Chinese and American food as Hop Sing Palace. According to Telegraph archives, the name of the restaurant originated from the character of Hop Sing, who was the beloved cook on the Cartwright Ranch in the popular television show during the 1950s and '60s, "Bonanza." If you missed the HBO episode and want a feel for the history of Hop Sing Palace, just take a trip to Historic Folsom and walk into the place. Bill Lam, who owns and operates the establishment today, is always eager to talk about the history of the restaurant he originally bought to provide for his family, many of whom work by his side today. Lam, who came from Hong Kong, worked in restaurants for many years before he became the proprietor of one and knew the business. He claims he bought the restaurant back in the day to simply provide for his family and never expects to make a fortune. If he had a $1 for every act of friendly customer service he provides to the community, I am pretty certain Bill would be a millionaire by now. Lam is one of the most energetic and friendly merchants in the area, always working hard and always smiling while he is doing it. He loves his customers and loves people in general. Anytime I have stopped to say hello and commented on how busy they are, he is quick to credit that all his customers return because they love the fresh food and great prices. In the recently aired special, Ling noted many Asian-American restaurant owners, like Lam as well as her grandparents' success in the food business have been about sacrifice and resilience. So a big congrats to Hop Sing Palace in their national exposure last week as well as their decades of serving and filling tummies in the Folsom community and bringing some national light to our community with this recent special. Bill Sullivan is the Association Publisher of Gold Country Media. Reach him at bills@goldcountrymedia.com.