Canton observed 40 years operating as one of south Miami’s favorite Chinese restaurants. Located directly south of the City of South Miami and the Village of Pinecrest, Betty and Allan Ng established a family business that grew into one of the area’s most successful enterprises.
“My father came from Hong Kong to New York with $80 dollars in his pocket. He worked in a laundry by day and a restaurant by night. Eventually, he had his own restaurant,” said his son, and visionary behind Sushi Maki restaurants, Abe Ng. Betty and Allan Ng were married in 1969 and honeymooned at the Fountainbleu in Miami. They fell in love with Miami, moving here in 1973.
The Canton’s founders understood the appeal of Chinese cuisine in the U.S. keeping the quality and affordability consistent, while adjusting to the changes in dining preferences of Miami’s dynamic and diverse communities. The evolution of the menu includes healthy dishes, keeping pace with the consumer’s taste. However, many “comfort food” favorites have remained as staples. You can still order your favorite General Tsao’s Chicken or opt for the signature Canton Steak. Sushi is available at both of the Canton establishments managed by the Ng family in Dadeland North and Coral Gables (in operation for 30 years).
The success of the Ng family businesses has grown from one location to 20. Two are Chinese restaurants and 18 are Sushi Maki eateries. Abe Ng has taken his parents belief in hard work (they continue to work at Canton) and combined it with his business philosophy of creating an approachable, neighborhood, and family- friendly atmosphere to his restaurant laced with a healthy dose of social responsibility based in good stewardship for the planet Earth. This is borne-out by practices such as using as little packaging as possible and when necessary using recyclable materials; using plumbing fixtures with low-water consumption; recycling vegetable oil; getting fish from environmentally sustainable sources; providing employees training materials that rely on electronic delivery instead of reams of paper; using energy efficient appliances; and working with Whole Foods markets.
“Our family is the steward of the Canton and Sushi Maki brands,” said Abe. Three generations of Ng family members work in the business that employs 250 people. Many of those employees have worked for the Ng family for decades.
“My fantastic team at Canton and Sushi Maki allows me to stay connected with the community and to take time to serve the community,” said Abe. In fact, he is involved with a host of organizations including the Chinese Baptist Church, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Baptist Hospital, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, National Christian Foundation, and Young Presidents’ Organization.
The Ng family sees the future of the Dadeland North Canton as one that will have some rejuvenation of the site both interior and exterior; choices on the menu to include more vegetarian options; and lighter sauces with less sodium and corn starch.
Canton Dadeland is located at 6661 South Dixie Highway, Miami 33143. The restaurant offers delivery service in addition to other delivery services such as Grubhub and Uber Eats. Order online at cantonrestaurants.com or contact them at 305-666-5511.
