Wendell Hom’s Teapot Inn

Tom “Wendel” Hung Hom immigrated from China in 1952, then worked his way up in San Diego restaurants from busboy to cook. Like many Chinese men in America, he went back home to marry. Wendel and his wife Wendy Hom returned and ran several restaurants, including the Tea Pot Inn.

On May 31, 1966, they opened a new island-themed restaurant in Chula Vista. Wendel Hom’s Teapot Inn served Cantonese food and among his specialties were the “Chinese Taco,” Jow Bok Opp (fried squab, $2.40), and his version of Chicken of the Gods ($2.25), topped with a mushroom sauce and crushed almonds.

The Tiki Room bar was decorated with thatched reed mats, rattan furniture, Samoan tablecloths, and a large sampan-shaped lantern. There you could relax and enjoy a Fog Cutter, Mai Tai, Scorpion, Zombie, or perhaps a “Tea Pot” cocktail. Hom also introduced the “Yellow Bird” cocktail made with Galeano.

South Bay
1060 National Avenue (now, Broadway)
Chula Vista, CA 91911