Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, May 21
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Business»Great Mandarin Chinese Restaurant closing at end of 2022
    Business

    Great Mandarin Chinese Restaurant closing at end of 2022

    Joanna Werch TakesBy Joanna Werch TakesDecember 23, 2022Updated:December 23, 20223 Mins Read

    After 32 years at Eden Prairie Center, Great Mandarin Chinese Restaurant posted a notice on Facebook earlier this month that the restaurant will be closing after a last day of service on Dec. 31, 2022.

    The Dec. 19 Facebook post stated, “As many of you know, the pandemic changed a lot of things for all of us. It was a real challenge to make the food you love available to you while also protecting our health and yours. On top of that, supply chain made food costs higher, staffing shortages meant our family-owned restaurant had to work harder, and we put everything we had into staying connected with the community … all out of joy and appreciation for you.”

    Tony Truong, the owner of Great Mandarin Chinese Restaurant, is closing the restaurant and retiring at the end of the year. Photos by Gillian Holte

    The post also stated that “the Great Mandarin family has made the choice to retire at the end of the year.” In a separate interview, Great Mandarin owner Tony Truong said that a factor contributing to his decision not to renew the restaurant’s lease, which expires at the end of the year, is that “I’m getting old.”

    Over his years at the restaurant, Truong said, “I know a lot of people who married, had kids, now the kids have graduated from college and got married, now they got grandkids. It’s unbelievable. I’m gonna miss a lot of people.”

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    Everything on the Great Mandarin menu is prepared from scratch, Truong said, including restaurant specialties like tiger pork, honey walnut shrimp, and sesame chicken.

    Since the notice about the closure went live, Truong said, he’s received calls from former patrons and snowbirds who are currently in places like Atlanta, New Orleans, or Arizona. “Some of them congratulate me. Some of them cry,” he said. 

    The last seating of customers at Great Mandarin, an Eden Prairie Center mall staple since 1990, will happen on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2022.

    “I have a ton of memories, all good,” since the restaurant opened in 1990, Truong said.

    He mentioned that the restaurant had provided food for a December staff appreciation event for Eden Prairie’s Central Middle School. In addition to Eden Prairie Schools and youth sports programs, regular patrons and supporters of the restaurant over the years have also come from the Eden Prairie Police Department, the City of Eden Prairie staff, and the Eden Prairie Center mall.

    Great Mandarin Chinese Restaurant was one of the earliest supporters of the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools’ Taste of Eden Prairie fundraising event, and, Truong said, he has also “helped homeless people” over the years. “I do a little thing. My heart tells me to do that,” he said.   

    In addition to the local connections, Great Mandarin appeared in the Kevin Smith movie “Mallrats,” filmed at Eden Prairie Center in 1995.

    Truong has also provided catering for the Minnesota Vikings since the Herschel Walker days with Vikings head coach Jerry Burns through current head coach Kevin O’Connell. “They called me and want me to bring food for next week,” Truong said.

    After the restaurant’s closure, Truong, who is also a resident of Eden Prairie, said he has no immediate plans.

    “I’m a lucky guy,” Truong said. “I’ve learned Eden Prairie is a good community with wonderful people. I really do appreciate my 32 years” in the restaurant business. “Most of the time, I think I did a good job.”

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleEagles bring their best to No. 1 Wayzata
    Next Article EPHS alumni grapple with allegations against former teacher

    More to READ

    2 Mins Read

    Elucent Medical receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for surgical tracking system

    May 18, 2025
    5 Mins Read

    Eden Prairie woman creates joy, one sweet bite at a time

    May 14, 2025
    5 Mins Read

    Live from Eden Prairie: It’s your turn to play the game

    May 10, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Giant beaver is one signature away from becoming Minnesota’s state fossil

    May 21, 2025

    ‘Fountain of Youth’ is fool’s gold

    May 21, 2025

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.