NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Meng's Pan Asian Restaurant has changed hands but there is so far no plans to change the name or significantly alter menu. 

 

The Wangs have been a mainstay in the Berkshire Plaza on Main Street for 21 years, first as the China Buffet and then as Meng's since 2017. 

 

Owners Meng Wu "Jason" Wang and Yaling "Joy" Wang put the business up for sale recently and closed a deal with a couple from New York on Jan. 7. 

 

Jason Wang was classically trained as a chef in China. He and his wife moved to North Adams 21 years ago to raise their children and serve this community. They worked at other restaurants before opening the China Buffet about 2002, replacing another Chinese restaurant. They opened the Sushi House on the Main Street side of the building in 2011. 

 

In 2017, they closed the Sushi House and the buffet and rebranded as Meng’s Pan Asian Restaurant with a completely renovated space and expanded menu. The restaurant operated six days a week, including on major holidays such as Christmas and New Year's Day and served freshly cooked Chinese, Japanese, Thai and other Asian dishes.

 

They closed for the first time during the pandemic emergency then reopened the family-run restaurant for take-out and delivery as soon as they were able to.

 

To avoid any service interruption, the new owners are choosing to keep the name, menu (with possible minor changes) and hours of operations the same. Furthermore, any gift certificates issued are still valid under the new ownership.

 

One of the first things Joy and Jason look forward to is to take a vacation together as a family. All three of their daughters grew up working in the restaurant. With their daughters in their junior and sophomore years in college and junior year in high school, they hope to spend more time together as a family.

 

When asked about what they will miss, Joy didn't hesitate to say she will miss the regular customers. Being the one to answer the phone and greet customers, she knows most people's favorite dishes and over the last two decades, customers have become extended family. 

 

In a post on Facebook, the Wangs ask that customers "be patient with the new owners as they establish and familiarize themselves with the business' operations."

 

"We are very grateful for all the support we received in the past 20 years and we are delighted to be part of such an amazing community."