Taiwanese Dumpling Empire Opens First U.S. Location in Los Angeles | Eater LA

"Opened on March 25 in a mini-retail cluster at the western entrance of the Puente Hills Mall in City of Industry, this prolific Taiwanese chain’s first U.S. outpost brings griddle-crisped potstickers, ingot-shaped dumplings, bouncy “QQ” noodles, and soy milk–based drinks to the San Gabriel Valley and has drawn thousands of diners with lines often winding outside the door. With nearly 1,300 outlets in Taiwan and China, the brand is betting its fast-casual formula of affordably priced Taiwanese comfort food will succeed here; a combination meal with a deep-fried pork chop, “Old Fashioned” soy sauce and shallot noodles, and iced tea runs about $14, a dozen pork potstickers are $8.75, and U.S.-exclusive combination meals (including a dozen potstickers with sides) are offered around $10.50. CEO Stephanie Peng says the company keeps prices low through sales volume, operational efficiencies such as a central kitchen in Irvine that prepares noodles, sauces, and wrappers, and support from its Asian operations; recipes have also been adapted for American palates to be sweeter, more savory, and spicier with bolder fillings and sauces. Bafang has established its North American headquarters and central kitchen in Irvine and plans further Southern California expansion and franchise opportunities beginning in 2023." - Cathy Chaplin