Chuan Lu Garden, one of the most Foodie Award-decorated venues in Orlando, has closed its doors temporarily for a “ceiling-to-floor” makeover, says owner Joyce Cai.
The expansive space, a fixture in Mills 50 for scallion pancakes, soup dumplings and sizzling Sichuan fare, is long overdue, Cai told the Orlando Sentinel.
She and her partners took over the restaurant in 2019 and completed some minor work—new paint, lighting and furniture—but they’re looking forward to the major overhaul.
“We have been planning for a long time for so many reasons — the building is old, and we have had lots of customer feedback about it,” she says. “It needs new furniture, ceilings, floors, sofas, seats and tables and a repaint of the interior. Lighting, too.”
With the slow season of September and October approaching, now seemed like the right time to get started.
“We’re estimating about three to four months and targeting to reopen for the holiday season,” she says. “We needed to give ourselves enough time for permitting and approval and construction time.”
The 3D drawings of the proposed redesign have been exciting to check out as the look comes together.
“It’s going to look fantastic!” she predicts. “Very upscale.”
She notes that though the look will be all-new, not much else will change, and they will look to incorporate a fountain and their koi fish into the new look.
“We will still do takeout and online ordering. We’re just trying to make the experience better for customers without necessarily raising the prices.”
In the meantime, regulars and fans can get their Chuan Lu fixes at their sister restaurant in Winter Park, Chuan Fu.
“Some of our crew and chefs will be moving there while the work is being done, so if customers feel like they want to get a little taste of Chuan Lu Garden, they can go there and order.”
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