Frank Fat’s on L Street in Sacramento is legendary. It’s known for its Chinese cuisine and famous banana cream pie. And, if the walls of that restaurant could talk, they would tell many tales of lobbying and legislative deal making. Frank Fat’s celebrated its 80th anniversary over the summer, commemorating many decades of feeding Sacramentans and visitors from near and far.

Frank Fat’s is a short walk from California’s State Capitol building. It opened across the street from the Greyhound bus depot in 1939, in the midst of the Great Depression. Fat’s is a beloved and treasured icon of the Sacramento restaurant scene. And has become known as the “Third House” of the State Legislature. 

Daughter-in-law of the late Frank Fat, Hong Kong-born Lina Fat, is a Master Chef and now heads the restaurant’s research and development division. She reflects on many themes, including being a woman in the workplace and what it’s like working closely with family, and friends she’s made along the way.

Learn more about the California State University, Sacramento library exhibit about Frank Fat's here.

Read about the infamous "napkin deal" here.