Jade Villa Chinese Restaurant in Virginia Beach reopens
Jade Villa Chinese Restaurant has been a staple in the Virginia Beach community for 21 years. It’s known for its tasty dim sum — small plates of Chinese food, steamed and fried.
Imagine the surprise when word on the street said it was closing permanently in July. Loyal customers — me included — rushed to patronize the spot, hoping to get one more bite. The line swung out the front door and down the sidewalk. It was too humid outside for me to wait. No more cilantro fish, General Tso shrimp, cashew chicken and pineapple buns — I felt devastated.
“We closed because of a staffing shortage,” Tommy Chan, the owner, said.
After a 46-day hiatus, on Sept. 15 the restaurant reopened. I jumped for joy — but not too high. I had to see it for myself. I visited the next day.
The foyer had been reconfigured and the light color brightened up the spot. I noticed the receptionist podium got an upgrade. New faces greeted me, including co-owner Dennis Chen. The new tile floor made the dining room look bigger. New tables and chairs were neat and the cream-colored walls clean.
People can find the same great menu. The dim sum will return soon, according to Jade’s social media page.
Chan is grateful to have Chen, 32, as a partner who has helped with the eatery’s rebirth. He brings youthful ideas and technical knowledge, Chan explained, smiling.
“We are working on a website and soon, you will be able to order online,” Chen said. “Eventually, we will have a third-party delivery service.”
The cult following of Jade Villa Chinese Restaurant continues.
Rekaya Gibson, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com, 757-295-8809; on Twitter @gibsonrekaya
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If you go
Where: 353 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach
Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Contact: 757-473-2228; tinyurl.com/jadevillavb
