Arthur Wong; Restaurant Founder

Arthur Wong, a restaurateur who established the Far East Terrace across from Universal Studios, has died. He was 83.

Wong, a Studio City resident, died Tuesday in Burbank, according to mortuary officials.

The son of a peasant, Wong immigrated to the United States from Canton, China, when he was 8. He got his start in the restaurant business working as a dishwasher in Los Angeles, then later went to New York, where he acquired prominent positions with restaurants such as Ruby Foos and the House of Chan.

In the late 1930s, Wong returned to the West Coast with plans to establish his own restaurant. He opened two eateries, and in 1979 launched the Far East Terrace across from Universal Studios.

He also served as president of the Southern California Restaurant Assn. and as honorary mayor of North Hollywood, in addition to being active with the Rotary Club.

Wong is survived by his wife, Alice; sons Ron Wong and Michael Wong; and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, with the funeral at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, in the Hollywood Hills.