Cat Huang, BS ’96, and Kevin Huang, MS ’93
DanDan RestaurantsPhiladelphia, Wayne and Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Bold Flavors, Made to Order
DanDan Restaurants, owned and operated by Cat Huang, BS ’96, and Kevin Huang, MS ’93, bring authentic Sichuan and Taiwanese cuisine to the greater Philadelphia area across its three locations. Before DanDan, the Hawk Mates managed a struggling Sichuan restaurant and turned it into a profitable venture. Inspired by that success, they opened their own restaurant. In 2015, DanDan was born at their Rittenhouse location, followed by spots in Wayne and Ardmore in 2017 and 2021, respectively. Along the way, they’ve focused on bold flavors and made-to-order dishes, tailoring their offerings to the spice and flavor preferences of each customer.
Cat and Kevin served Adam Sandler while he was filming the movie “Hustlers.” With his permission, they even named a dish after him: the Happy Madison Chicken Wonton Soup.
DanDan’s Wayne location is across two counties (Delaware County and Chester County) and required two liquor licenses.
Sichuan is a region in southwest China known for its peppercorns and Giant panda conservation.
Inspiration for going into the food biz?
We got into this business because we have a deep love for our culture and our food. It’s something we wanted to share with others. When we get to see people enjoying dishes from our culture, this decision always feels worth it.
Best part of being a restaurateur?
Meeting new people, networking and bringing the community together.
Most memorable restaurateur experience?
As restaurant owners, some of our most memorable experiences are seeing our staff grow. We love hearing our staff say that working with us helped them build a strong work ethic and gain valuable experience. This is something that can benefit them for their whole lives; many even return during the summer or holidays and continue to list us as a reference on their resumes. It is rewarding to see them carry these lessons and values of DanDan into their future careers, knowing that our environment helped teach them the value of hard work and growth.
Impact of SJU education?
Our education has helped us better understand consumer behavior and spending habits. This knowledge allows us to identify customer needs and preferences, which helps when choosing restaurant locations and adjusting our menu offerings to fit each community.
Can’t-miss menu item?
DanDan noodles: Lo mein-style flour noodles tossed with sesame paste, sweet soy, chili oil, preserved vegetables and scallions, made with minced pork or vegetarian. The spice level for this dish is a three out of five.
SJU-inspired dish?
As an ode to the spiciness of the Hawk Wrap, we would feature Spicy Southern Style Chicken Wings.
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DanDan Noodles
Cat and Kevin outside their restaurant
