courtesy Marie Bottini
The Confucius Restaurant was a Chinese restaurant at 3277 Lakeshore Avenue. It was started in 1940 by Oscar Bowers, namesake and owner of the nearby Oscar's lounge. At some point after Bowers died (in 1943), it moved to 3241 Lakeshore Avenue.
One unusual feature at the original location was a 7'x8' "scene-in-action" display on the front. Using translucent layers, paint and lighting, it made it appear if the scene featuring a waterfall and Chinese mountain retreat was moving. An oft-remembered feature at the second location was a koi pond.
The cooks were Horace Fong and his mother; Fong was also half-owner of the restaurant. 2 [ not clear yet if ownership was from the start, or after Bowers' death ]
March 1950 ad
1954 ad
By March 1950, the restaurant had moved to 3241 Lakeshore.
Norman "Bing" Fong owned the restaurant from 1965 until 1981. Many remember him as "the singing waiter." 3
May 21, 1940 1
courtesy Marie Bottini
Links and References
- Confucius Restaurant to Open in Connection With Oscar's Oakland Tribune May 21, 1940
- Widow Weeps at Estate Hearing Oakland Tribune November 27, 1945
- Norman Fong obituary
