Henry Kwok | Community Member Spotlight

2026‍ ‍I'm a family man first, entrepreneur second. Graduated with a supply chain degree but haven't used it in many years. I've been immersed in the restaurant industry* my entire life, so the time and effort I put in has always been innate. I'm a gym rat. Probably go 5 to 6 days a week and 2 to 3 hours each time. This allows my brain and body to unload. I'm also a car enthusiast and fortunate to have had my fair share of nice cars over the years. I find it easier to connect with people on a deeper level when there is good bourbon. This makes for good food pairing, companionship and lifelong friends. In my spare time, I'll make creative posts for my business page and travel locally and regionally to try new foods for inspiration. If I had any concrete life goals in mind, I'd probably never achieve them because I am always challenging myself and pushing myself to be the best person I can be.

*Henry’s family owns two Okemos restaurants: Henry’s Place and Asian Buffet.

Tell us about a recent local event or experience you enjoyed.

This summer, Celebrate Meridian was a hit. It brought together community, food and music. I have to give props to the organizers because each year they evolve and make this event better. Each community needs a catalyst like this to make a mark for itself, and this is it.

If you could only eat at ONE locally-owned restaurant for an entire month, which would you choose (and why)?

I eat out a lot. Probably more than the average person. This question is loaded, but I’ll try not to piss off my industry colleagues. My favorite place in recent years has got to be Bowdie’s. The service, food and ambience are always consistently high quality. It’s a small, intimate place with a small menu and weekly specials. Whether it’s a date night or a work event, I can bring someone there with pride. Not saying there aren’t any close seconds, but my philosophy is that a restaurant really has to fit your personality. Bowdie’s has really sucked me in.

Which local business, organization, or place deserves way more attention than it gets?

I believe King Pho in Okemos should get more attention. They have such a great menu with food that takes time to cook, such as the broth for the soup. The broth is never salty or oily, and it is the star of the dish. Also, the meats and condiments married together make a Vietnamese beef noodle soup jam-packed with hot, sweet, umami and savory flavors.

What’s a piece of life advice you’d like to share with anyone reading this?

I'm getting to the point in my life where I'm not 16 or 22, or even 30 anymore. For those still young, dream big at a young age. Be patient with your life goals and visit them often. Don't sell yourself short, because you're your best brand ambassador and cheapest laborer. If you failed, that means you tried. You have to start somewhere, so it might as well be from the bottom.

PREVIOUS SPOTLIGHT