The Bold and Beautiful Ho Mei

The Bold and Beautiful Ho Mei

Interviewed by Cuiyin Zhang Written by Pam McElroy

According to the popular Cantonese adage, when there are red and blue colors, there are fish and meat; and when there are fish and meat, there are wealth and luck. Ho Mei Chinese Restaurant perfectly represents this adage with its bold and colorful décor, variety of flowers, mini orange trees, and framed artwork. The lights are kept dimly lit creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere and accenting the two crystal chandeliers. The attractive 2,700 square foot restaurant is usually filled to its 90-person capacity each day of the week.

 The owner Weihong Ma’s goal is to spread love and knowledge of Chinese food throughout the United States. His passion is to create an environment where real, authentic Chinese food is available to anyone, rich or poor, whenever a craving should arise. And to do this, he designed his restaurant and menu to attract the people of Denver, Colorado. “I have confidence in Chinese food, no matter where in the world, it can be successful. As long as the purpose of the restaurant is to promote Chinese dining and culture, there will be a need,” says Ma.

A Love of Food

Ho Mei Chinese Restaurant’s menu mainly offers Americanized Chinese food. Most of the dishes are prepared in the typical fashions of stir-frying and deep-frying. Whatever customers are looking for, whether it’s fast food or a healthy 3-course meal, they will find what they’re looking for here. However, one thing is always certain: only the freshest ingredients available are used. According to Ma, “Everything is freshly made and freshly presented. Nothing is allowed to stay overnight.”

The most popularly ordered dishes on the menu are Broccoli with Beef, Sesame Chicken, and Salt & Pepper Shrimp. And according to Ma, the restaurant’s signature dishes are the Spicy Chicken, Meatballs, and Pork Ribs with Pineapple and the restaurant’s specialties are Cantonese BBQ Roast Pork, Spicy Chicken Wings, and Japanese Chicken. The specialty dishes are very popular but are only offered a few days each month to keep customers enticed. Dishes can also be steamed or without oil or MSG upon request for health conscious diners.

Top Notch Service

Each person who visits Ho Mei Chinese Restaurant is treated like a VIP. First-rate service is absolutely guaranteed. The traditional philosophy that the customer is always right is strictly followed to by each staff member. “We try everything we can to satisfy our customers’ specific needs. Paying attention to customers’ opinions and complaints is essential for the restaurant’s improvement and growth.” And in return, Mr. Ma sees people driving from all over the area to dine in his restaurant.

In addition to impeccable service, the staff members also provide a very hygienic dining environment. The kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms are each kept clean. “Our aim is to provide a cozy, spotless, and bright dining ambiance for our customers. Our admirable sanitation always leaves a good impression,” explains Ma.

It is also important to Mr. Ma to form relationships with his regular customers. Ho Mei is well known in Denver for the best value, food, and service; and Mr. Ma is well known for his diligence, kind heart, and enthusiasm for Chinese cuisine. Mr. Ma realized his mutual respect after he had to temporarily close one of his restaurants because of a fire hazard. “Crowds of customers were waiting outside to give their congratulations and support for the reopening. I was so moved by them,” reports Ma. Mr. Ma additionally takes part in the local Chinese New Year celebrations and the local school’s opening day providing meal boxes when possible.

Ma’s Secrets to Success

1. Be Friendly—Build a positive reputation among guests.


2. Positive Attitude—Promotes everyday work enjoyment.


3. Be thankful—Be thankful for success achieved.


4. Quality—Remember only a small profit is lost when great food at reasonable prices are offered. 


5. Give Back—Take part in public service and give back to society.


6. Food—Only serve the highest quality and be sanitary in the kitchen. 

Weihong Ma’s story

Ma and his wife first arrived in the United States in 1993. His first job in the country was as a busboy and later he was promoted to a chef. As his English improved and his skills in the kitchen improved, his interest in the food industry grew. Approximately two years later, he took over a take-out Chinese restaurant from one of his friends. Now, Ma is the successful owner of three restaurants; three express restaurants (Ho Mei) and one fusion restaurant (Sengataki Japanese Gill). And he continues to make progress.

Through his business development, Ma’s family has always been supportive. His wife helps with the operations and his sons—who immigrated to the United States in 2002 at ages 16 and 9—are understanding of their parents’ long work hours. And how, seven years later, they are getting ready to get involved in society.

According to Ma, the future is always open to new things. “I am always eager to learn and to keep following the latest trends. I always hope to open more restaurants to serve the local residents,” says Ma. While there are no plans to open additional restaurants at the moment, the possibility is never ruled out.

Enjoy Ma’s Culinary Creations

Ho Mei Restaurant—1996

3709 Peoria Street, Denver, Colorado

Ho Mei Restaurant 2—2000

3260 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado

Ho Mei Restaurant 3

9170 Federal Blvd, Denver, Colorado

Sengataki Japanese Grill—2007

5280 West 38^th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado

Ho Mei Chinese Restaurant

l            Location: 3790 Peoria Street, Denver, CO 80239

l            Cuisine: Americanized Chinese

l            Restaurant Concept: Casual

l            Capacity: 90

l            Offers: Dine in, Take-out

l            Signature Dishes: Broccoli Beef, Sesame Chicken, and Salt & Pepper Shrimp

l            Year of establishment: 1996

l            Phone: (303) 355-5401

l            Website: www.homeiinc.com

Owner: Weihong Ma