In a pivotal meeting on September 16, 2025, the Quincy Board of License Commissioners approved significant changes for RKOQ, Inc., doing business as Royal Hotpot. The board reinstated Cindy Lau as the manager of record for the restaurant, a position she previously held for a decade. This decision comes after a brief period where Shuyi Mei was appointed as part of an internal reorganization. Both Lau and Mei agreed that Lau's experience made her more valuable in this role.
Additionally, the board approved changes to the beneficial ownership structure, confirming that Xu Yipe will no longer be a stockholder or officer of the company. This restructuring aims to clarify the management and ownership of the restaurant, ensuring a smoother operation moving forward.
The meeting also addressed a request from The Fords at 15 Carter and Viva Trattoria at 1500 Hancock Street for a temporary extension of their outdoor patios for the Coverpalooza event on September 21. The board swiftly approved this request, allowing the restaurants to enhance their outdoor dining experience during the event.
Lastly, the Ward 2 Civic Association sought special use permits for beer and wine licenses for their upcoming fall Sunday in the Park events scheduled for October 5 and October 12. The board is expected to review this request in future meetings.
These decisions reflect the board's commitment to supporting local businesses while ensuring compliance with licensing regulations. The reinstatement of Lau and the approval of temporary permits highlight the board's proactive approach to fostering community events and restaurant operations in Quincy.