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Since 1985, Peter’s Chinese Cafe, at 2609 East 12th Avenue, has been a go-to in the Congress Park neighborhood, serving up Chinese American staples including some of the best sesame chicken in town. Over its four decades in business, not much has changed at the mostly takeout joint overseen by founder Peter Chan — until recently. Now Chan is ready for retirement, and a shiny new banner that reads “Employee Owned” hangs across the top of the restaurant.
Fondly known by his regulars as the grouchy shopkeep, Chan says he had several offers from outside parties to buy the business, but he wasn’t interested in selling to them. “My employees have been with me for so long. On average, the kitchen staff has worked here for 28 to 30 years, and the drivers for 15 years. They deserve every penny from us,” Chan explains. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been successful.”…