PORT ARTHUR —



Sizzling patties, melted cheese and a plump bun are part of National Burger Day at a new Port Arthur restaurant. Burgers are actually an everyday offering at the Kan family business, which announces location and menu in the name: Twin City Donuts & Burgers.

Son Rachelle Kan proudly slipped in his naturalization date — April 4, 2009 — as he told about his family’s background in Cambodia, and their “all-American dream.” For about 11 years his father, Tokla Kan and mother, Chhary Ann, have filled morning sweet tooth cravings at The Donut Palace on Main Avenue in Groves.

Rachelle said his father acquired prime real estate at the corner at 4849 Twin City Highway, at the corner of Texas 73, and the family began considering what to do with it.

“We had big dreams of growing,” Rachelle said.

But the question was, what to serve.

“Everybody loves a donut,” Rachelle said, taking a break at the small, exceedingly neat and tidy eatery with cheery yellow walls.

He said the family decided to “step it up a bit” and offer hamburgers, as a sort of tribute to what they love about America.

He said his parents taught him and his brother, Makara, that in America, those who work hard will be rewarded. A restaurant is hard work, Rachelle said. They’re there seven days a week, opening at 4:30 a.m. Often, a line of customers is waiting when they open the doors, he said.

People ask if they serve a donut burger. Not yet, Rachelle said, but the menu does include kolaches, hot wings, chicken nuggets and boudin balls. Seafood is on the way, he said.

Chhary said all her offerings are popular, but glazed and chocolate donuts seem to be the pick of the lot.

Rachelle said he’s heard his parents tales of political strife in Cambodia. He lived there the first week of his life, but as soon as she could travel, his mother left the country with her infant. He said he’s never returned, but has studied his heritage.

“I’m glad to be a part of that race and that culture,” he said, noting his country’s Angkor Wat temple, considered a “wonder” of the world.

He grew up in Virginia and before he moved to Texas, thought the state would be filled with cattle and oil wells. He realizes it is, somewhat, but so was Virginia.

ddoiron@panews.com