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ENLARGE
Xian Wei, 1530 North Ave., is back in business after a temporary closure due to unpaid sales taxes.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Xian Wei restaurant opened late for lunch Tuesday, but at least it’s back open for business.
Early last week, the Colorado Department of Revenue made an unwelcome visit, and it wasn’t for the kung pao chicken.
“We did fall behind on our sales tax; we were seized,” said Tom Quan, owner of the restaurant, located at 1530 North Ave.
By Friday, Quan said, they paid off their delinquent sales tax bill, thanks to some new investors in the restaurant. (Quan wouldn’t comment on the amount of sales tax owed.)
A notice from the city of Grand Junction for an unpaid water bill was affixed to the restaurant’s front doors Tuesday.
With new investors come a new management team and a new chef, Quan said, who’s optimistic about the restaurant’s future.
“It’s back to business with new blood,” said Quan. “Now all we need is to get people to come into the restaurant to try our new concept.”
A concept launched in 2005, with a revamped menu to include modern Asian cuisine, steak, seafood and hot lava rocks — table-side stone grilling volcanic rocks from Australia.
“It’s the coolest way to eat,” said Jeff Inks, consultant and Xian Wei investor.
According to Inks, it’s fat-free, healthy, communal, and fun to cook food at the table. Hot rocks are only offered at dinner.
Xian Wei still plans to maintain its after-dinner entertainment schedule, which includes a different event every night such as teen night, comedy, dancing, live entertainment and more.
It may be the same building on North Avenue with the blue Chinese-style roof tiles , but it’s not the same restaurant formerly known as Far East which Ray and Joyce Quan opened in 1955.
“We were the busiest restaurant in the GJ for years ... until the chains came in, but that’s OK, that’s free enterprise,” said Tom Quan, who took over for his parents who have since died.
Financial troubles aside, Quan wants folks to give Xian Wei a try.
“We had a bump in the road ... but we’re new, we’ve changed, and we’re moving forward with the times.”
Reach Tracy Dvorak at tdvorak@gjfreepress.com.
Early last week, the Colorado Department of Revenue made an unwelcome visit, and it wasn’t for the kung pao chicken.
“We did fall behind on our sales tax; we were seized,” said Tom Quan, owner of the restaurant, located at 1530 North Ave.
By Friday, Quan said, they paid off their delinquent sales tax bill, thanks to some new investors in the restaurant. (Quan wouldn’t comment on the amount of sales tax owed.)
A notice from the city of Grand Junction for an unpaid water bill was affixed to the restaurant’s front doors Tuesday.
With new investors come a new management team and a new chef, Quan said, who’s optimistic about the restaurant’s future.
“It’s back to business with new blood,” said Quan. “Now all we need is to get people to come into the restaurant to try our new concept.”
A concept launched in 2005, with a revamped menu to include modern Asian cuisine, steak, seafood and hot lava rocks — table-side stone grilling volcanic rocks from Australia.
“It’s the coolest way to eat,” said Jeff Inks, consultant and Xian Wei investor.
According to Inks, it’s fat-free, healthy, communal, and fun to cook food at the table. Hot rocks are only offered at dinner.
Xian Wei still plans to maintain its after-dinner entertainment schedule, which includes a different event every night such as teen night, comedy, dancing, live entertainment and more.
It may be the same building on North Avenue with the blue Chinese-style roof tiles , but it’s not the same restaurant formerly known as Far East which Ray and Joyce Quan opened in 1955.
“We were the busiest restaurant in the GJ for years ... until the chains came in, but that’s OK, that’s free enterprise,” said Tom Quan, who took over for his parents who have since died.
Financial troubles aside, Quan wants folks to give Xian Wei a try.
“We had a bump in the road ... but we’re new, we’ve changed, and we’re moving forward with the times.”
Reach Tracy Dvorak at tdvorak@gjfreepress.com.
