Cache Valley Family Magazine contributing writer Tara Bone recently teamed up with local middle school students to find and share more stories about the remarkable people of Cache Valley. The Middle School students learned about the people in their neighborhood while developing their writing skills.
From Computer Expert to Chef:
The Story Behind Logan’s Royal Express Restaurant
By: Denny Chen
When Hendry Chen was a young boy growing up in Taiwan, his dad went to an auction and got him a computer. Hendry studied the computer for months and loved it; he taught himself about all of the parts of the computer and became a computer expert. This experience opened many opportunities for him.
“My dad got me a computer when I was young, I fell in love with all the parts of the computer ever since that time, and I thank my dad for getting me a computer,” Hendry said. “I loved playing games on it, and loved looking at it, at the time I thought the computer was from outer space because it did a lot of things that didn’t seem in the time frame.”
When he was 25 years old, Hendry got his first job in computer engineering. A few years later he decided to move to the US to have a family. Hendry and his wife Amy Chou moved for many reasons, but the main reason was because he wanted a better environment for his kids to grow up in. Hendry knew that Utah was a great place to do that.
After six years of working for a computer company, Hendry decided to be a chef and got his culinary arts degree. Months later he took over as owner of a restaurant called Royal Express in Logan. Hendry and Amy have worked in the restaurant for years, and he says he’s loved it.
Eventually Amy also got a culinary arts degree. They are always looking to find ways to improve the restaurant’s food and wake up early every morning to work. Royal Express hours are 11:00 pm to 9:00 pm, every day except Sundays.
“I love cooking food for people, but when me and my wife started a restaurant it was difficult,” he said.
Hendry’s entire family, including his three boys, help with the restaurant. Hendry’s restaurant is located at 880 S Main Street in Logan.
“I love my family and wife, and I don’t usually close my restaurant, because I want to provide for my family,” Hendry said. “Family for me is what is most important in life.”
