Benny Chows

"Ben Berg’s New York-style Chinese American restaurant on Washington Avenue closes after service on Monday, September 30, according to a report by Culturemap. A representative said in a statement that it would reimagine the restaurant’s space and “explore new creative possibilities” but included little about the reason for its closing. “We look forward to welcoming diners back in the future with fresh experiences and flavors,” the representative said. In the weeks leading up to the announcement, diners speculated about the closing on social media, with some stating that they tried making reservations in advance but were told by restaurant staff that they couldn’t because the restaurant would soon be closing. Benny Chows, which served Cantonese American dishes like Beijing duck, cold sesame noodles, and brisket egg rolls, opened with some criticism. Some Houston diners took issue with the Chinese American restaurant’s faux-Asian name and found the concept of “elevated” Chinese food problematic in a metropolitan region known for its rich and diverse Asian diasporic cuisines." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Part of Berg Hospitality's portfolio involved in the lawsuit against Centerpoint." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Benny Chows is the newest concept from rapidly expanding Berg Hospitality, which is better known for the American cuisine at restaurants like B&B Butcher’s and Turner’s. But Benny Chows made a splash when it opened in June, with a New York-meets-Texas flair and a kitchen helmed by Chinese-born executive chef Shirong Mei. Offerings here include twists on Cantonese meals, like smoked brisket egg rolls (brisket courtesy of Truth BBQ), Impossible meat mapo tofu, whole lobster, and a 7-pound Jurgielewicz duck inspired by Beijing duck. Tea-infused cocktails and desserts like melon and lychee salad round out the menu." - Lane Gillespie

"Keeping in the common tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas, Benny Chows, a newer restaurant from Berg Hospitality, will offer lunch and dinner on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Choose from the regular menu, or order its four-course prix fixe menu ($95 per person), which various dishes like its spicy chicken wontons with wood ear mushrooms, a smoked brisket egg roll, Impossible mapo tofu, crispy orange beef, salt and pepper Branzino, and a Chinese five-spice chocolate pot au creme or mango pudding for dessert. Benny Chows will be open both days for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m." - Lane Gillespie

"Keeping in the common tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas, Benny Chows, a newer restaurant from Berg Hospitality, will offer lunch and dinner on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Choose from the regular menu, or order its four-course prix fixe menu ($95 per person), which various dishes like its spicy chicken wontons with wood ear mushrooms, a smoked brisket egg roll, Impossible mapo tofu, crispy orange beef, salt and pepper Branzino, and a Chinese five-spice chocolate pot au creme or mango pudding for dessert. Benny Chows will be open both days for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m." - Lane Gillespie