"Prolific Taiwanese chain Bafang Dumpling opened its first U.S. location in City of Industry in late March, bringing griddle-crisped potstickers and spicy sesame noodles to a mini-retail cluster at the western entrance of the Puente Hills Mall. With nearly 1,300 outlets in Taiwan and China, the well-established brand is betting that its winning formula of affordably priced Taiwanese comfort food served in a fast-casual setting will attract a steady stream of diners, even in a crowded dumpling market like the San Gabriel Valley. City of Industry, a business-heavy area 18 miles east of Downtown, was chosen as the first stateside location due to its proximity to communities in both Los Angeles and Orange counties. The city’s demographic diversity and well-trafficked businesses further added to its appeal, says Stephanie Peng, the CEO of Bafang Yunji North America." - Cathy Chaplin
