From Scrappy Startup to Doordash Partner: Celebrating Lunar New Year with Xi'an Famous Foods

While working at AOL, my colleague Michael Woo introduced me to Xi'an Famous Foods. Xi'an, a scrappy hole-in-the-wall fast-casual restaurant known for its spicy broth and pulled noodles, landed on St Marks Place in the East Village in 2010. It soon became our regular lunch spot.

On Thursday night, Xi'an Famous Foods announced a partnership with Doordash, the food delivery platform. Michael, I, and a few friends gathered to celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Xi'An's Lunar New Year festivities. CEO Jason Wong kicked off the celebration with a presentation of the Xi'An origin story, sharing the struggles of small business ownership, running a family business, pivoting to Chili Oil production during the pandemic, and expanding the brand from a storefront in Flushing to (13) locations throughout NYC. There was a food tasting, a lion dragon dance presented by Bo Law Kung Fu Martial Arts Center, and a hip-hop DJ and breakdance performance.

It was one of the first 'main' events I've attended since, you know what. The city's recent mild weather inspired me to 'get dressed,' and being out and about in communion with others was exciting.

I had a sense of deja vu at the event venue in Chelsea. Mission, a nightclub around the corner from FIT, seemed eerily familiar. Later, we learned the space was originally home to The Shadow, a hot dance spot in the late 90s and the first nightclub to broadcast live on radio stations 107.5 WBLS and 98.7 KISS FM. I don't know if I was ever on-site, but I remember tuning in on Saturday nights.

May the Year of the Dragon bring endless opportunities, joy, and success. Gong Xi Fa Cai!