CHINESE TAKE-OUT

by
Maryann Miller

 

Just like in any big city, people can get Chinese take-out at The Outpost in Winnsboro. They can also dine in at the little cafe in the convenience store and gas station.

Kinh Hang and his wife, Sothy, bought The Outpost from Charlie and Debbie Boles four months ago and as Kinh put it, "People first asked if we are keeping the great hamburgers, and we said yes. Then soon they started to ask if we cook Chinese."

Kinh laughed. "Of course we cook Chinese. Chinese food is in my blood."

The young couple are energetic and friendly and treat customers with a great deal of care. They have learned the service industry well, having experience in California with similar family businesses before the large extended family moved to East Texas.

Before coming to the United States, the family spent a long time in a refugee camp after escaping the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. An uncle applied to come to the United States first, and eventually seven uncles were granted asylum. Slowly other members of the family were allowed to come over. They started businesses in San Jose, then decided to move.

Now, the family has a number of gas stations and convenience stores, many with small diners, in Sulphur Springs, Mt. Pleasant, and Clarkview. "Our family very close," Kinh said. "It is important for family to stay together. And we like people here to feel like they are family, too. Enjoy the food. Enjoy the people."

In the short time they have been there Kinh and Sothy have gotten to know a number of regular customers, like Greg Ledbetter and Albert Flores who really enjoy the change of pace from steak or barbecue. "This is really good food," Greg said. "The spring rolls are wonderful."

At The Outpost, Sothy is the primary cook, but they have another lady who also cooks. As standard fare they offer Sesame Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and the afore-mentioned spring rolls. Then they have periodic specials like broccoli chicken or beef. And the fried green beans are great.

For desert, they have a dish made with a Mong Bean. (also called the Mung Bean) The bean is boiled and mixed with cream, coconut and sugar. Kinh said some people like the unique desert, others don't. "But Chinese herbs are good for you," he pointed out. "Some of them cool your inner temperature."

The couple are very attuned to their customers and what they want. "We are doing a survey to see what people would like us to serve," Kinh said. "We will adapt to customer wishes."

Business dropped a little when they first took over The Outpost, but it is building back up, and the couple are pleased that Winnsboro has welcomed them.

The store and gas station are open seven days a week. Monday through Thursday from 5:30am to 10:00pm. Friday and Saturday from 5:30am to 11:00pm. Sundays Kinh and Sothy get to sleep in. They don't open until 7:00am and are there until 10:00pm.

In the diner, they offer a breakfast special for $3.99, and lunch specials every day, that are all available for take-out as well. The grill is open from 5:30am to 2:30pm, with Chinese take out available at any time. People can call 903-342-8057. "If they want it, we cook it," Sothy said.