MEE HENG LOW’S STORY CONTINUES IN SAN LUIS OBISPO’S HISTORIC CHINATOWN

Entrusted by the Gin family with Mee Heng Low’s next chapter, Karson Butler Hospitality Co. introduces Mee Heng Low Social Club, bringing mahjong, retail and culinary experiences to Palm Street.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — September 24, 2026‍ ‍

A new era unfolds for one of San Luis Obispo’s most beloved Chinatown landmarks. Karson Butler Hospitality Co. (KBHC), the local hospitality company behind the neighboring Ah Louis Store and Mahjong Social Club San Luis Obispo, will become the next operators of the historic Mee Heng Low space on Palm Street, introducing Mee Heng Low Social Club–a new concept rooted in gathering, shopping and dining.

For nearly a century, Mee Heng Low was more than a restaurant. Operated by generations of the Gin families and, most recently, the Kwong family, it was a place where family and community gathered–around meals, celebrations and the mahjong table.

Following the restaurant’s closure in August, KBHC founders and twin sisters Amber Karson and Emily Butler began conversations with the Gin family about what might come next for the building. With nearly a decade operating the Ah Louis Store directly across the street and the growth of Mahjong Social Club San Luis Obispo, Karson and Butler saw a natural opportunity to connect the two historic spaces while creating a sustainable new use for Mee Heng Low.

The space will become the new home of Mahjong Social Club San Luis Obispo, with membership, lessons, open play, table reservations, private gatherings and special events. A retail shop will offer a curated collection of souvenirs, mahjong goods, gifts and locally inspired finds.

Dining will continue to be an important part of the Mee Heng Low experience, intentionally programmed through a rotating calendar of pop-up dinners from guest chefs, culinary residencies, special menus and collaborations. With an emphasis on Chinese and Asian cuisines and opportunities to welcome talent from California and beyond, these experiences will create new reasons to gather around the table while continuing one of the most meaningful traditions of the space.

“So much of what we’ve built over the years comes together in this one place–hospitality, retail, education, mahjong and our love of honoring history while creating something new,” said Karson. “When Mee Heng Low became available, we saw an extraordinary opportunity to bring all of those pieces together across the street from the Ah Louis Store. San Luis Obispo’s Chinatown isn’t simply a place that used to be–it is still here, still evolving and still has stories to tell. We want to build something vibrant and sustainable that gives people new reasons to experience this remarkable corner of Palm Street while honoring everything that came before.”

“Mee Heng Low has always been a place for family and community,” said Mike Gin on behalf of the Gin family. “Our family has so many memories here–sharing meals, celebrating milestones and playing mahjong together. We are excited to see the building continue as a place where people can gather and create memories of their own. We feel like our grandparents, mom and dad, and aunt and uncle would be thrilled seeing the space used for a game that they all loved! We’re very grateful for the commitment and the vision from Amber and Emily to help keep this historic part of Chinatown in SLO alive, just as they’ve done with the Ah Louis Store.”

“Having the Gin family’s blessing to take Mee Heng Low into its next chapter means a great deal to us,” added Butler. “These buildings hold generations of family stories, and we know that kind of trust is something you earn. We’re grateful for the opportunity to care for this place, to learn from the people who know its history best, and to carry those stories forward as Mee Heng Low begins its next chapter.”

The announcement comes as Karson Butler Hospitality Co. prepares to celebrate 10 years of stewardship of the Ah Louis Store this November. Built in 1874, the Ah Louis Store has stood on Palm Street for more than 150 years; across the street, Mee Heng Low will mark its own 100-year milestone in 2027. Together, the two historic spaces create an opportunity to connect the past and present of San Luis Obispo’s Chinatown while continuing to bring people to Palm Street to gather, shop, dine and learn.

Additional details, including opening dates, hours, mahjong programming and the first pop-up dinners and culinary collaborations, will be announced in the coming weeks.

ABOUT KARSON BUTLER HOSPITALITY CO.

Karson Butler Hospitality Co. is a San Luis Obispo-based hospitality company founded by twin sisters Amber Karson and Emily Butler. Rooted in connection, intention and place, the company creates experiences that bring people together through events, retail, education and hospitality. The KBHC portfolio includes Karson Butler Events, the Ah Louis Store and Ah Louis Store Outpost at SBP, Mee Heng Low Social Club and The Sauer Adobe.

Media Contact:
Amber Karson
amber@karsonbutler.com
805.704.2477
karsonbutler.com