Boston, May 2, 2016, — The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named China Blossom the 2016 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year for Massachusetts.
“For over half of a century, the Yee Family has thrived and built one of the most popular restaurants in the Merrimack Valley.” said Robert Nelson, SBA Massachusetts District Director. “Richard and Connie Yee have instilled strong family values not only in the business, but also throughout the Merrimack Valley region as active community members. Surviving for over 55 years in the restaurant industry speaks volumes to the business agility of the Yee family.”
China Blossom’s founder Richard Yee was born in China and immigrated to the United States in 1951 to pursue the American Dream. Richard’s father and grandfather immigrated just a few years earlier and opened a small take-out restaurant specializing in Chinese cuisine in Haverhill, Massachusetts. When Richard arrived to America as a teenager, he worked in the family business. He knew he wanted to be a restaurateur from an early age and worked every job from dish washer to maitre d’ to learn every aspect of the business. He spent time in New York working in restaurants from Manhattan to Westchester County to master his craft.
Richard was also drafted to the U.S. Army in 1958. Mr. Yee attributes much of the success as an entrepreneur to the lessons learned in discipline and work ethic – he gained while serving. In 1960, Richard opened China Blossom in North Andover – which today has become one of the most popular eating establishments north of Boston. “That’s the great thing about America,” says Yee. “You can have a dream and it can come true, as long as you are willing to work hard for it.”
The Family-Owned Business of the Year award is presented annually to a family-owned business with at least a 15-year track record that has passed from one generation to another.
China Blossom was nominated by Joseph Bevilaqua, President of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Richard, Connie and David Yee will be honored at an SBA awards lunch along with the other Massachusetts Small Business Week 2016 award winners at a luncheon event at the Westborough Doubletree on May 6, 2016.
About SBA National Small Business Week:
Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small business, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.
About China Blossom:
China Blossom is one of the oldest and most popular eating and drinking establishments North of Boston. Since 1960, the restaurant has served the area’s residents with premium, freshly prepared traditional Asian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere inspired by the varied regions of the Orient. China Blossom is trusted by thousands of people every week for its comfortable dining rooms, full bar, private function facilities, and takeout delivery services.
For more information on China Blossom, please visit: www.chinablossom.com.