A family-owned chain of fast-casual Chinese restaurants, known for having dishes once celebrated by Anthony Bourdain, is eyeing Clarendon for its next location.
Xi’an Famous Foods is planning a new restaurant at 2800 Clarendon Blvd, in The Crossing Clarendon shopping center. The New York City-based eatery offers cuisine inspired by CEO Jason Wang’s childhood in Xi’an, China — including a variety of hand-ripped noodles, dumplings, and a spicy cumin lamb burger favored by Bourdain on the show “No Reservations” in 2007.
Qi Qi Joyce, an architect on the project, told ARLnow that contractors are aiming for an August opening, with work expected to wrap up in about four months.
The restaurant is known for its thick, hand-pulled biang-biang noodles, served in both hot and cold dishes and also available in make-at-home meal kits.
“We make our family’s versions of Xi’an classics,” the business’ website reads. “Think: biang-biang noodles pulled to order, dumplings doused in our signature dipping sauce, and a refreshing, vinegary liang pi for hot summer days (or any day).”
Construction is underway at the property, which is located on Barnes & Noble’s former ground floor next to Three Notch’d Brewing Company. The Clarendon spot will be one of the chain’s few locations in the D.C. area, joining others in Alexandria and D.C. that offer only delivery and takeaway.
This location will offer seating for about 84 dine-in guests.
Xi’an Famous Foods was born out of a bubble tea shop that Wang’s father, David Shi, started in New York City upon immigrating to the United States. Shi’s food outsold his drinks, though, and he eventually moved to a “random enclave by a bus stop, literally a nook on the street without a door,” where he served home-cooked meals, Wang wrote in a message on the business’ website.
“Finally, in 2005, he earned enough to nab a stall in the legendary Golden Shopping Mall basement food court. Word spread. Business was good and steady,” Wang wrote. “Then Bourdain showed up and things got a little crazy.”
Two decades later, the family-run business has grown to 25 family-owned locations throughout New York City, Boston and Philadelphia.
Photo (1) via Xi’an Famous Foods/Facebook
