Sponsor Spotlight: Royal Garden Restaurant Powers U18 Girls Success

Every ACE Hoops U18 Girls game represents more than just basketball — it represents Vernon families investing in Vernon youth.

Royal Garden Restaurant’s sponsorship continues a personal tradition of supporting young athletes that spans generations in the Low family.

A Personal Connection to Youth Sports

For Susie Low, supporting youth basketball represents a continuation of her lifelong commitment to Vernon’s youth. As someone who volunteers extensively with Vernon Junior High, the SPCA, Emergency Support Services, and the Red Cross, Susie has made community service a cornerstone of her life.

The second-generation owner, who took over from her parents Li and Ken Low in 2010, has watched many of these young athletes grow up while serving their families at the restaurant. Supporting programs like ACE Hoops is Royal Garden’s way of giving back to the community that has supported them for almost 30 years.

Three Generations of Vernon Excellence

Royal Garden Restaurant represents something special in Vernon’s culinary landscape. Founded in 1995 by Li and Ken Low, it has become the city’s oldest Chinese restaurant — a testament to quality, consistency, and community connection.

The current Anderson Way location, opened in 2016, represents the restaurant’s third home in Vernon. With its intimate lounge area, comfortable dining room, and private space for larger groups, it’s designed to accommodate everything from family dinners to team celebrations.

What makes Royal Garden truly unique is its multi-generational approach. Susie’s first job was working in the restaurant, and now her own children help out on weekends, making it a true family operation. Meanwhile, parents Li and Ken Low continue to share their expertise, ensuring the authentic flavors that have made Royal Garden a Vernon institution.

Innovation Meets Tradition

In 2024, Royal Garden made headlines by introducing AI-powered robot servers to their kitchen line, becoming one of the first restaurants in the Okanagan to embrace this technology. This forward-thinking approach mirrors ACE Hoops’ commitment to innovation in youth basketball development.

The restaurant recently won the BOB Award for Best Chinese Restaurant, recognizing its 29-year commitment to excellence. This dedication to being the best parallels the values ACE Hoops instills in its U18 Girls — striving for excellence both on and off the court.

More Than Just a Sponsor

Royal Garden’s support extends beyond financial sponsorship. The restaurant has become a gathering place for team dinners, celebrations, and those important post-game meals where bonds are strengthened and memories are made.

After games, Royal Garden has become a natural gathering place for the team. Susie and her staff have created an atmosphere where young athletes feel welcomed and valued as part of the broader Vernon basketball community.

The restaurant’s commitment to community service — through Susie’s volunteer work with multiple organizations — sets an example for young athletes about the importance of giving back. This alignment of values makes Royal Garden an ideal partner for ACE Hoops’ mission of developing not just basketball players, but community leaders.

Building Vernon’s Basketball Community Together

The partnership between Royal Garden and ACE Hoops U18 Girls represents what makes Vernon’s basketball community special — local businesses investing in local youth. As one of Vernon’s longest-operating restaurants under the same ownership, Royal Garden understands the value of consistency, dedication, and community support.

For parents considering youth basketball programs, knowing that established local businesses like Royal Garden stand behind ACE Hoops speaks volumes. These aren’t distant corporate sponsors; they’re neighbors, friends, and community members who see your children at school events, serve them meals, and cheer them on from the stands.

Join the ACE Hoops Family

When businesses like Royal Garden Restaurant step up as Gold Sponsors, they’re doing more than supporting a team — they’re investing in Vernon’s future. They’re helping provide quality coaching, tournament opportunities, and the life lessons that come from competitive team sports.

If you’re a business owner inspired by Royal Garden’s example, consider joining our sponsor family. Whether you can contribute at the Gold, Silver, or Bronze level, your support makes a real difference in these young athletes’ lives.

Thank you to Royal Garden Restaurant for being a proud Gold Sponsor of ACE Hoops U18 Girls. Your 29-year commitment to Vernon and dedication to youth sports continues to make a difference in our community.