• An entrepreneur experienced in Chinese restaurant operations named Garry Tang comes to Sarnia from Orillia.
• In December, Garry eyes on a perfect location where the restaurant will reside to this day. A small building on that location was formerly a bar & grill called "Dunlop S-Bar".
  • The bar was named as such because they featured a bar counter that was shaped like an 'S'.
  • An open kitchen concept that serviced the booming local chemical plant industry for breakfast and lunch.
• Garry decides to purchase the location and begin construction of a kitchen to the back including a 2nd floor apartment.

• Grand opening party held in April 1970 was celebrated with city officials including the police chief; unfortunately the mayor was unable to attend.
• Seating capacity: 60
• In its early days, it satisfied the chemical plant workers' lunch shift offering soups and sandwiches.
• Customers had asked Garry why he chose the downtown area when there was more growth potential in the uptown. Garry concluded:
  1. Brought up in a downtown environment where all the services were nearby (i.e., post office, food & clothing stores, city hall)
  2. He was unaware of the eventual opening of the Lambton Mall
  3. Believed that he can still provide a demand to the plants
• Did not have a liquor license at the time.
• The first staff mainly consisted of Garry's family running the entire operation.

A crucial period for Garry facing increased competition, lacking a liquor license and a growing demand for wine & spirits.

• Seeing potential customers walk past his restaurant through the window to other restaurants for food and drink, Garry realized that he needed to get a liquor license to be competitive.
• After consulting officials about a license, he knew he must expand the restaurant to attract clients.
• A house located to the left of the restaurant was purchased and demolished for the expansion of a new dining room.
• During expansion, the restaurant continued to operate as usual and never closed during business hours.
• Significant art pieces such as the ceiling tiles, the four stone flower displays and the all-wood 'Phoenix & Dragon' wall carving was ordered and shipped from Hong Kong.
• To ensure patrons the restaurant officially serves alcohol, Garry dropped "China House" from the name in favor of "Tavern".

• 2nd Grand Opening featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony with then mayor Andy Brandt.

• Garry reflects on this period: "After expansion, the restaurant was so widely known in the community that he was invited to become a member of the many local service clubs but had to decline due to the overwhelming success of the restaurant."
• With his recognition in the city, the Chamber of Commerce invited him to be a director of the Chamber for a 3-year term. (A certificate for this is currently displayed in the restaurant)
• Word had spread so far about the restaurant that Garry received many calls for reservations from out of town, even from Chicago!
• Because of the ornate oriental theme of the restaurant, patrons would come in dressing in formal attire. Garry was humbled and so appreciative of realizing that his restaurant has become a fine Oriental dining establishment.

• Feedback from customers prompted Garry to drop the 'Tavern' from the name and bring back 'China House'. Reason being that 'Tavern' did not adequately suit a food and drink environment and patrons already understood that a bar was available.
• Expanded on art displays that are still here to the present day.
• In 1983, Garry introduced the buffet and salad bar. The buffet was well received by its patrons.

• In 1989, fire in the upper apartments resulted in a tragic loss affecting Garry and his family.
• In 1990, Garry retires and Joe Lee takes the post.

• This period of time marked the economic recession. A difficult time for all businesses including Tang's.
• In 1993, a highly motivated effort by Joe to revamp its image introduced the "East meets West" buffet by offering a wider selection of classic Chinese and North American cuisine.

• In April, Tang's celebrates 25 years of consistent service and quality.
• A ribbon cutting ceremony was held with mayor Mike Bradley and former mayor Andy Brandt.
• Local radio station AM 1070 broadcast the entire event and interviewed Garry on the history and success of Tang's.
• The celebration featured a lucky prize draw and an Appreciation Card that offered discounts for visits.

• Renovations include new carpets and a fresh coat of paint to bring in a revamped look.
• 2000 marks the 30th anniversary of the restaurant.

• Nominated for the 2003 Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Award
• Joe was humbled by this nomination and is motivated to continue offering consistent quality in food and service.

• Launch of Tang's China House's website.
• The General will be proud: Our General Tao's Chicken is introduced.

• Enhanced 'East meets West' Buffet including Chef's Special items and expanded Salad and Dessert bar
• Tang's is delighted to offer our new Sesame Chicken, with crispy white meat chicken fillets in an aromatic sweet and sesame sauce.

• Nominated for the 2010 Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Award in the Customer Service category
• Celebrates 40 years in Sarnia with TWO Charity Buffets held on April 10 and 17. Donations were made to Heart & Stroke Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society
• In attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony, Mayor of Sarnia Mr. Mike Bradley, former Mayor of Sarnia Mr. Andy Brandt.
• In presentation of the certificates from Mrs. Pat Davidson, M.P. and Mr. Bob Bailey, M.P.P. during the charity buffet.