Ernest Chinese to Close Its Doors in July

In The Know with Gino…

Ernest Chinese, the popular restaurant known for its Chinese-American cuisine, has announced that it will cease operations on July 13th. The announcement comes after a brief rebranding period, during which the establishment transitioned from its former identity as Flying Squirrel.

In a recent social media post, co-owner Max Poppel expressed mixed feelings about the closure. “It’s with a heavy heart that we share our decision to close the restaurant,” Poppel stated. The message also extended gratitude to loyal customers, staff, and supporters who have contributed to the restaurant’s journey.

The statement highlighted the importance placed on the team, emphasizing that fostering a positive workplace environment was a core value. “Our greatest achievement has been building a workplace culture that defied many industry norms and inspired strong loyalty from our staff for over 12 years,” it read. Poppel noted that the restaurant plans to stay open for the next three weeks, allowing employees time to save funds and transition to new opportunities.

The venue, previously known as Flying Squirrel, was a favorite among Southside residents for a decade before closing in November 2023. The rebranding to Ernest Chinese was an homage to Crash Pad’s resident cat, a quirky nod that reflected the restaurant’s playful spirit.

While the future of the space remains uncertain, the closing marks the end of an era for many local patrons and staff who have cherished the restaurant’s contributions to the community.

SOURCE: Ernest Chinese