 |
|
|
|
|
Remodeled WG eatery reopens for business
Name change and menu update mark Chau's welcome return to Avenue
By Kara Chalmers
The first-ever Chau's Choice, an international fast-food takeout place, opened at 1384 Lincoln Ave. on Oct. 2.
The space was formerly occupied by a branch of owner Patrick Chau's other fast-food chain, Mr. Chau's Chinese Fast Food, with over 16 locations in the Bay Area. The Willow Glen branch closed in May 1998 for remodeling.
According to Chau, the extensive remodeling and cleaning caused the reopening to take over a year. He says he remodels all his restaurants every two years for a thorough upgrade and cleaning.
Unlike the former Mr. Chau's, Chau's Choice will be takeout only and will not have indoor or outdoor seating. Other differences include an open kitchen, new tile on the walls, and a concrete floor to replace the former hardwood one. There is also all new cooking equipment in the kitchen.
Chau says he thinks Glenites will patronize his store because of the freshness and diversity of his food and his reasonable prices.
He says that when Mr. Chau's closed he received many calls from customers wondering when he planned to reopen and asking him to please do it soon.
Chau's Choice, which will open at two more locations, in Campbell and and Santa Clara, will differ from Mr. Chau's in that its dishes are more diverse. Besides traditional Chinese food, the menu features French and Thai wraps as well as traditional fare like fried chicken. Chau's Choice also offers prawn and scallop dishes, which Chau says are not always offered at Chinese fast-food restaurants.
"Customers will have a lot of choice," says Chau, who adds that customers used to come in asking for more seafood selections.
Chau has his work cut out for him over the next few weeks, as he tries to get his new chain up and running. But in the future, when things calm down, he's thinking kung pao hamburgers.
Although Chau plans to celebrate the opening eventually, with price specials and a party for Willow Glen patrons, he has been too busy lately to plan any festivities.
|
|
|
|
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
