SHUN LEE PALACE

Shun Lee Palace, thought by many to have helped introduce Chinese food to New York City, is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With a history of over 40 years, Shun Lee Palace is more or less the same but with some key changes being made after owner Geng Chen took it over in 2001. Possessing a 5,000-square-foot space, Shun Lee Palace can seat up to 160 diners at a time during peak meal hours.

Providing local foodies with Szechuan, Beijing, Hunan, and Cantonese cuisine, Shun Lee Palace’s menu covers an extensive array of offerings. There are soups, appetizers, chow mein, lo mein, chop suey, egg foo young, fried rice, and vegetables available for diners to choose from. The chef’s specials include Shun Lee Spicy Chicken, Hot Spiced Pork, and Pepper Steak; though they frequently create new menu offerings to keep the menu fresh.

In addition to tasty food, Shun Lee Palace is dedicated to providing its patrons with a pleasant dining experience. During the Christmas season, elaborate decorations and festive singing bring holiday flair to the restaurant. Most importantly, there are special meals available to celebrate this special time of year. 

As a restaurant industry veteran, Chen knows a lot about how to run a restaurant. Comparing a restaurant to a chain, he equates the success to the strength of each link in the chain. If one link is weak, then the whole chain is weak and attaining success is difficult. As for restaurant management, any lapse in food, sanitation, and service will lead to total failure. Therefore, he along with his staff members strive to achieve excellence and are always willing to hear feedback from customers.