Everyone's family at Pagoda Gardens

According to Sam, Cape Girardeau has its own version of "a place where everybody knows your name."

It's not a bar like on "Cheers," but the owner is named Sam just like on the 1980s sitcom, and he knows almost everyone's name. Sam Prasanphanich, who is originally from Thailand, owns Pagoda Gardens, 329 Kingshighway.

Prasanphanich attended college at Southeast Missouri State University.

"I was going to get an American education and go back to Thailand and be a big-shot businessman," Prasanphanich said.

Instead, he married a local girl and decided to make Cape Girardeau his home. When Pagoda Gardens opened in 1981, it was only the second authentic Chinese restaurant in Cape Girardeau.

Prasanphanich said that when he meets a customer he strives for a long-term relationship not just a one-time diner. Pagoda Gardens offers an elegant atmosphere where customers are treated like family.

"The servers know you by first name," said diner Megan Glastetter.

For Tammy Obermann's family a meal at Pagoda Gardens has become a tradition on her children's half-days of school.

"The waitress, Nancy, knows that my kids don't get egg rolls with their meals," Obermann said.

Pagoda Gardens gives customers the option of joining the birthday club, which entitles them to a free dinner.

Several of his employees — like Dave Eifert and Nancy Miller — have been there for more than 20 years.

"It is like a home away from home," Miller said. She said it was completely different than working for a chain restaurant.

Pagoda Gardens offers low-carbohydrate options for diners, and Prasanphanich will modify the menu for gluten-free meals and low-fat or low-sodium diets.

At Pagoda, Prasanphanich has built a business philosophy: "You must be willing to work hard, long hours, like people and work well with others."

Pagoda Gardens is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Sports Lounge bar area is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Menu

Appetizers

Pu Pu platter for two: A variety of seven appetizers — egg rolls, crab Rangoon, drumsticks, shrimp, chicken, fried wontons, beef on bamboo skewers, served with flaming Hibachi grill.

Soups

Sizzling Rice Soup: Chicken broth with diced chicken, mushrooms, water chestnuts and sizzling crisp rice.

Dinner

General's chicken: Tasty brown spicy sauce on breaded chicken breasts over a bed of lettuce.

Cashew chicken Springfield-style: Batter fried chunks of chicken breast stir-fried with vegetables and cashew nuts

Mongolian beef: Beef slices saut?ed with green onions, green peppers and mushrooms, bamboo shoots and snow peas

Emperor's chicken: Diced chicken braised in fancy Chinese vegetables: white asparagus, baby corn, black mushrooms

Emperor's shrimp: Shrimp braised in fancy Chinese vegetables: white asparagus, baby corn, black mushrooms.

Cantonese pork with vegetables: Chinese barbecue pork topped with stir fried broccoli, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts.

From the Bar

Volcano (exclusive drink for two): a mixture of fruit juices and rum served in a conical shaped container resembling a volcano.