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The Story of
Tropical Escape Café
In 1971, Tessie
Montano, a Filipino singer, met Sgt. Roger Baldwin, U.S. Air Force, in
Cam Ranh Bay,
Vietnam. Performing in her brother’s band, she
played for the American troops in small military clubs on base.
He was captivated by her stage presence, and
intrigued with her quick wit.
Surprisingly, it was her hidden
talent of blending
flavors together to create excitingly tasteful dishes that would lead
them both to new careers.
After a short
courtship, they were married in the Philippines. She was 20, he was 21.
In June 1972, Tessie
arrived in the U.S. and soon afterwards, was working at the only Chinese
restaurant
in Rock Hill,
“Kitchen’s Kitchen.” Roger was
doing route sales for a food company.
In 1983, they bought a
convenience store on
Porter Road, and were soon cooking American and Chinese food on a flat grill.
This was the
beginning. In 1986, they opened Tropical Escape Café on Anderson
Road. Expansions were
made in 1990 and
1995.Credit for the success of the business goes to loyal patrons,
friends, and employees,
and the 18 family
members who at one time or another have worked here, including Roger and
Tessie’s children
Monty and Willie. We
hope that you enjoy your visit.
Please let us know how we can serve you better!
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