LewKan

Craig's ancestors came to the US in the late 1800s.

Lew Kan, Craig's Great Grandfather on his mother's side was known for his weath and his
size. At 6 foot 2 and well over 220 pounds, he is rumored to be the inspiration of the Mortal
Kombat character of the same name. The photo to the right is displayed in the San Francisco
museum of Cultural History. It shows Lew Kan with his twin sons shortly after the turn of the
century.

Lew Yuen was Craig's Grandfather on his father's side. He ran the gambling and speakeasies
in Fresno during prohibition. Lew Yuen was almost 50 years old when with his 3rd wife Lena
they began their family that grew to ten children .

Their youngest Allison was meant to be named Ellison but Lena's Chinese accent caused a
spelling error on his birth certificate. Needless to say, "Big Al" grew up a toughie. But similar to
the Corleone story, Allison refused to go into his father's business. Upon his honorable
discharge from the Navy, Al got a job as an engineer in the California State Division of Highways.

At that time, the extremely thick Tule fog in the San Joaquin Valley was to blame for an
increasing amount of traffic accidents. Al helped to test what we now know as lane delineators
or those annoying bumps in the road. It was around that time Al and his wife Barbara had their
fourth child Craig. Even though Al's Engineering career was going well, Craig's father was
concerned he would have enough money to send all of his four children to college.

A few years after Craig was born "Big Al" opened Loy Loy restaurant. Although not the first
Chinese restaurant to deliver food straight to your door, it was the first to deliver food in
trademark bright red mustang coupes.

By 16, Craig was managing the first of his father's more than 6 restaurants. At this point Al was
sure he could leave his engineering career behind and yet afford to send all his children to college.

Once called the McDonalds of Chinese food, Loy Loy Restaurants was a staple in the Fresno area
for over 45 years.

Allison continued working 9-5 as an engineer and
6-11 as a restaurateur for more than seven years.

So to be with his father, Craig began spending his
nights "working" with his father.

At the age of eight, Craig began working as the
Maitre D. Seating people and busing tables made
for good tips.