Friendly Chinese Kitchen

When Ling Hing Wong opened a Chinese restaurant in 1979 across the street from the Queensbridge public housing development, few people gave him much of a chance to succeed.  After all, that stretch of 40th Avenue in Long Island City was known for two things: drugs and violence.

Today Mr. Wong ‘s restaurant is still open  and doing great business. Every day he can be seen behind the counter in his apron taking orders. And he is equally adept as a chef as an entrepreneur.  Over the years he has acquired and invested in five buildings in the area, contributing to the turn around of the neighborhood.

Mr. Wong is one of 75 local merchants and small businesses who have joined forces to form the Urban Upbound  Merchants Association, the first organization of its kind serving public housing neighborhoods of Western Queens.  These businesses employ local residents, often hiring Urban Ubpound clients.  They’ve also brought much needed goods and services to the area.

The Urban Upbound Merchants Association brings together local businesses together for professional development, networking, and to work on joint projects that make the neighborhood a better place to live and do business.