Year after year after year, City Paper readers picked Red Orchids China Bistro as the area’s Best Chinese Restaurant. That has been understandable. The food is top-notch and fresh. The service is always good. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The owners are engaged and convivial.
But alas, this perennial Best of Charleston winner will close its doors, fire down its wok and turn off the lights in two weeks because of the hassle of a relocation forced by the move of a Publix grocery store from one side of a shopping area to another.
“Thank you Charleston for your support the past 20 years, keeping our doors open and making us feel loved,” the restaurant’s owners, Kelly and Tony Chu, wrote in a Facebook post. “Unfortunately due to the construction plans of the shopping center, the shortage of staff and skyrocketing inflation, we are saddened to share the news that our last day of service will be April 23, 2023.
“The laughter and joy we’ve shared and the meaningful relationships we have built throughout two decades will be most treasured. It pulls on the heartstrings, but let’s celebrate the closure of this chapter together. Hope to see you soon.”
We bet Red Orchids could have toughed it out if it were only impacted by staffing issues and rising costs. But the triple whammy of having to relocate and pay for upfitting a new space was just too much as developers of Ashley Landing shopping center are pressing ahead with plans for multifamily housing at an existing Publix grocery store and moving the store to where the restaurant and other businesses are located. It’s a shame that something couldn’t be worked out, but that’s what happens to small businesses in a big business world.
Our mouths water when we think of the delectable dishes at Red Orchids that we’ll miss — from Mongolian beef and garlic chicken to noodles, spring rolls, and hot and sour soup. But knowing the owners, we are sure they’ll be back with a new venture soon to delight our taste buds. Thanks for the years of great food. And we’re looking forward to what’s next.
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