Celebrated Chinese chef Peter Chang is potentially bringing his culinary expertise to McLean, Virginia. Permit applications have been filed by Peter Chang’s team to take over the location of the former House of Fortune restaurant, situated at 6715 Lowell Avenue. This development suggests a significant expansion for the restaurant group helmed by the acclaimed chef, known for his authentic Szechuan cuisine and dynamic career.
News of the potential Peter Chang Mclean location first surfaced in a Washington Business Journal report. An employee from Q by Peter Chang in Bethesda confirmed that plans for a McLean restaurant are underway. However, details regarding the specific restaurant concept for the McLean venue are still in development, and an official opening date remains unannounced.
Peter Chang’s reputation precedes him. A semifinalist for the prestigious “Outstanding Chef” award at the 2022 James Beard Awards, Chang’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in Szechuan traditions. Born in the Hubei province of China, he honed his skills at a culinary school in Wuhan before arriving in the United States in 2001. His initial role in the U.S. was as a chef at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., marking the beginning of his influential presence in the American culinary scene.
Chef Chang has become somewhat of a culinary legend, not only for his exquisite dishes but also for his intriguing career path. Before establishing his own restaurants, he cooked in various locations, including Fairfax, Alexandria, Georgia, and Tennessee. His first self-named restaurant venture began in Charlottesville, followed by an expansion to Arlington in 2015.
Today, the Peter Chang restaurant group is a family affair, with his wife Lydia, also a chef, and daughter Lisa, who manages the business operations, playing crucial roles. Together, they have built an impressive portfolio of restaurants. This includes eight Peter Chang restaurants, Q by Peter Chang, Chang Chang in Washington D.C., NiHao in Baltimore, and in Fairfax City, Mama Chang and Lu Wei by Peter Zhang.
Adding to their growing empire, a second NiHao location, specializing in dim sum, Peking duck, and modern interpretations of Szechuan classics, is anticipated to open in Crystal City near Amazon’s HQ2 in early 2024. If the Crystal City location opens as planned, the Peter Chang McLean restaurant would become the family’s sixteenth establishment, further solidifying Peter Chang’s impact on the culinary landscape of the region and beyond.
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