Leeann Chin
 | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (February 2019) |
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| Industry | Restaurants |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980 in Minnetonka, Minnesota |
| Founder | Leeann Chin |
| Headquarters | Bloomington, Minnesota |
Number of locations | More than 50 |
Area served | Minnesota, North Dakota |
Key people | Mike Loney, COO |
| Owner | Lorne Goldberg |
Number of employees | 1,000 |
| Website | leeannchin |
Leeann Chin is a
The chain offers chicken entrees, in addition to beef and shrimp options, prepared in Mongolian, Hunan, and Sichuan styles from mild to spicy. The restaurant recently added low calorie options and has its own proprietary frozen yogurt named Red Cherry.
The concept was founded by Leeann Chin, a Chinese immigrant who moved to Minnesota in 1957. She opened her first location in Minnetonka, Minnesota in 1980 and another in St. Paul in 1984. General Mills bought the name to her restaurants and the restaurants in 1984 with plans to expand the chain nationally.[3] However, locations opened in Chicago faltered and General Mills put an end to opening new restaurants. The restaurants and name were bought back from General Mills by Leeann Chin Inc. in 1988, with the help of Capital Dimensions Venture Fund.[1][4]
Lorne Goldberg bought the chain in 2007, through his Los Angeles-based Mandarin Holdings. Shortly thereafter, Goldberg invested about $8 million in the chain to revitalize the decor of the restaurants and improve its menu,
In 2011, Leeann Chin Inc. began to expand outside of its base in Minnesota's Twin Cities with opening of its Fargo, North Dakota restaurant.
In 2013, the chain launched its AsiaFit menu, a selection of low calorie stir-fry dishes, following a trend among casual-dining restaurants for lighter, healthier meals.[11]
Goldberg told the press that he is interested in being an owner and building the Leeann Chin brand over many years to come.[7][12]
References
- ^ a b "Intrigue surrounds Leeann Chin restaurants". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on December 19, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
- ^ "Top 100: Leeann Chins Asian Cuisine No. 80". fastcasual.com. 10 May 2011. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
- ^ Harlow, Tim (2010-03-12). "Leeann Chin, woman behind a Chinese food empire, dies at 77". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2010-03-23.
- ^ "Leeann Chin Inc. shelves Asia Grille". Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
- ^ "Inside Track: Investments in Leeann Chin are paying off". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
- ^ a b "Leeann Chin CEO plans expansion -- and yogurt?". Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
- ^ "Leeann Chin owner buys Pick Up Stix from Carlson Cos". Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
- ^ "Leeann Chin expanding to Duluth". Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
- ^ "Locations". Leeann Chin Official Website.
- ^ "Leeann Chin jumps on low-calorie restaurant trend". Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
- ^ "Leeann Chin: Reversal of fortune". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2014.