Jim Zheng has always wanted to own an authentic Asian teahouse and now his dream is becoming a reality.
The Bethlehem resident finally opened Tea House Asian Bistro on Monday, Oct. 8, after months of scouting for the perfect location, redecorating and selecting a menu. The eatery has opened in what was formerly Friendly’s Restaurant on Delaware Avenue in Elsmere.
Zheng is the former owner of Haikkado restaurant in Glenmont, but sold the business nearly two years ago. He decided to try again with another restaurant at the urging of friends and old customers who wanted to be able to taste his food again.
“I use to have a lot of regular customers and one asked me to check out the old Friendly’s, so I did,” he said. “It took about 10 months to (open) and four to get a lease.”
Eleven Capital District Friendly’s restaurants have closed since October of 2011, shortly after the Massachusetts-based chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company said it had attempted to work with landlords to restructure lease arrangements to keep the businesses open, but the decision was made to close the majority of restaurants within the area.
Five Friendly’s remain open within the greater Capital District today, but the closures have forced many municipalities to work hard to find tenants for the buildings.
Zheng said he chose the location because he wanted to keep his business within the Bethlehem community. Though his eatery is nothing like Friendly’s, he knew with hard work the business could be transformed. Now, the outside of the restaurant retains the familiar chain restaurant’s look, but the interior has been transformed.
The restaurant offers a mix of traditional Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine, and includes a small sushi bar. Although Zheng is Chinese, he said he has had an affinity for Japanese cooking. He began working in restaurants at the age of 17. After honing his skills, he moved on to working with other Asian fare and for the past eight years has worked as a Japanese sushi chef. Another chef was hired from Manhattan to help.
“He has been studying food for a long time,” said Zheng. “He used to work in a Chinese restaurant in China Town. I know him very well and trust him.”
The restaurant will serve the typical sushi rolls and Bento boxes that most are accustomed to at an Asian eatery, but Zheng has added some creations of his own like the New York Giants sushi roll. A wide variety of Asian tea is also available. Zheng and his wife brought in different tea sets they have collected to give customers a more authentic feel while dining.
“I want my customers to feel welcome when they are here,” said Zheng. “I want them to feel like they are walking into my house.”
Zheng said he hopes the restaurant will add to the Bethlehem community.
“I have a lot of good friends here, and am proud to be a part of this community,” he said.