A Profile in Freedom: David Leong
First Generation American, American Patriot and Culinary Patiarch.

Why David is supporting Bob Dixon:
“I am supporting Bob Dixon because he believes, like me, that America is a nation of immigrants and a land of opportunity for all people.”

David’s story:
David Leong was born on August 18, 1920 in mainland China. He immigrated to the United States in 1940 from Guangdong, China to pursue a better future for his family. At the outbreak of World War II, David took his oath of citizenship and immediately joined the United States Army. During his tour of duty, David was in the 4th wave landing at Normandy, France. He also served in England, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, and Germany, including Occupied Germany.

Following the War, David found work in several restaurants across the nation until landing in Pensacola, FL with his brother Gee.  There, the two met another native of China – a Springfield neurosurgeon who talked them into coming here to open up the region’s first Chinese restaurant.  The restaurant quickly failed, and David and his brother found work at The Grove Supper Club.  David said, “Bill Grove (was) a nice man, but he didn’t pay me to cook. I could barely survive.”  

But it was in these trials that David became a visionary.  He combined the favorite local fare of fried chicken and mashed potatoes with brown gravy with a traditional chinese dish served with oyster sauce and fried rice.  The now world-famous dish “Cashew Chicken” or “Springfield Style Chicken” was born.  Today, over 70 Asian restaurants flourish in Springfield, and hundreds of restaurants around the area have cashew chicken on their menus – from institutional cafeterias to local diners to country clubs. 

Now, at age 90, David and his son Wing are set to open their newest family restaurant called ”Leong’s Asian Diner” this November on East Republic Road.  “I am very proud of my children” David says. “My family continues to serve this country in the military, and we have started or helped start businesses across this country.”  When asked about the secret to his success, David added, “You must provide a clean environment and a friendly place (for people) to gather.  Then, you provide them with a superior product at a good price.  If you do this and work hard, you can’t lose in this country.  That is what makes our country great.”