A Fortunate Position at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

SAVEUR: You’ve been writing fortunes for 20 years. How many have you come up with so far?

Kevin Chan: Maybe 1,000 or more. We’re always adding to our inventory. That said, I only write a new fortune when something inspires me.

S: Where do you draw your inspiration?

KC: I observe people throughout life. I listen to what they’re saying. How people interact and talk and move around is a language that I turn into fortunes.

S: What are some of your favorite messages?

KC: Any of the motivational ones. It’s always a simple message or greeting. “Never give up,” is a good example. “Use your talents—that’s what they’re intended for.” And the one I want to tell people right now: “A bad peace is better than a good wall.”

S: How do you decide which fortune goes into which cookie?

KC: Randomly! We have all of our fortunes printed out, and I draw from that pile. When I pick one up to fold into a cookie, I don’t know what I take. I don’t want to look because it ruins the surprise somehow, even though I’m not the one eating them.

S: You’ve made some changes since you took over the factory in 2015.

KC: I’ve added new flavors: strawberry, chocolate, and green tea. Also chocolate-dipped cookies. I introduced custom fortunes, which can be ordered for a party or event. The most requested is, of course, “Will you marry me?” Most of the time, they say yes.