Every now and again, I am asked what makes managing a top restaurant in Las Vegas different from other cities. For me, it's the people. I love meeting interesting people and they come from all over the world in Las Vegas.

Even today, I am sometimes surprised by how many people include at least one lunch or dinner at Kung Fu Plaza, especially visitors from Asia. But sometimes the best people to meet don't live half a world away. They live right here in Las Vegas.

Our most recent notable Las Vegas visitor was none other than Austin "Chumlee" Russell. Chumlee is what I like to call an accidental celebrity, and it could not have happened to a nicer guy with a very big appetite.

His rise to stardom began last year as one of the primary cast members of the reality documentary series Pawn Stars. He helped Pawn Stars become a hit, with more than 5 million viewers and counting. The show, which is built around the daily activities of the Harrison family and their Las Vegas-based Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, debuted on the History Channel last year.

Chumlee, who is Corey's childhood friend and had worked at the shop for five years, was also cast as one of the primary players. He is often the butt of jokes on the show, but don't be fooled. He is also a very dear extended member of the Harrison family. Everybody loves Chumlee. See for yourself!


One of the reasons I enjoy the show so much is that it captures the flavor of a family-owned business in Las Vegas. Family-owned businesses, I think, tend to be more passionate. You can see it on Pawn Stars. Of course, it is also fun to see what people are going to bring into the shop. Sometimes it is something that has real value and other times it's odd (like a glass sword).

In closing, I want to extend our very special thanks to Chumlee for coming in with his friends. We are already looking forward to your next visit.