In 1974 Margaret Kuo opened Peking – Located in all places a mall (the Granite Run Mall in Media PA.). While many people openly questioned whether the area was ready for an authentic Chinese Restaurant, Margaret believed once the people of Delaware County sampled authentic Mandarin and Schezuan cooking they would come back on a repeated basis.

One of the first diners was Elaine Tate – the venerable food critic of the Philadelphia Inquirer. As it turns out, Tate, by shear serendipity walked into Peking to sample the first nouveau Chinese cuisine in the entire Delaware Valley. Thanks to her review, and Margaret’s food, Peking started to gain a reputation as a “hot spot.” That reputation continued to grow when Philadelphia Magazine awarded Peking “Best Asian Restaurant” in 1978.

After 10 years of devoted service, Margaret recognized the need to make her cuisine available to a greater audience, and hence opened Mandarin in Malvern. The next five years bought more awards and more happy diners, and by now most people who were interested in fine Chinese food knew about Peking and Mandarin.

In 1992, Margaret opened a third restaurant, the location being in the town of Media. Her third location was at the forefront of Media’s restaurant renaissance. Five years later Margaret saw an opportunity to provide the area with another unique dinning experience, the incorporation of Japanese cuisine, allowing her diners to taste authentic dishes, never before served in this area.

Margaret made an ambitious in move 2002 into the Main Line, and there established her flagship location in Wayne.

Following 41 years of success serving the community and foodies in the Philadelphia region, her beloved Peking Restaurant closed with full-page coverage by the Philadelphia Inquirer. With the redevelopment of the Granite Run Mall, Margaret plans to reopen Peking in 2018 when construction is complete.

In addition, in 2015 Margaret added an outpost at the oldest and most successful farmers market; Lancaster County Farmers Market on Route 30 in Stratford, PA.