China native and chef Jinhui Chen has more than 25 years experience in the restaurant industry. Today, Chen makes use of his cooking talents at 528 Asian Bistro in Friendswood, which he co-owns with his wife, Qun.
Since opening in June 2008, 528 Asian Bistro has built a loyal and regular customer base, Manager Lori Lafitte said. She said her staff has cultivated special relationships with patrons who frequent the establishment.
“We know [regulars’] names, and we know what they like to [order],” Lafitte said. “Some servers know when someone walks in what they [will] want [because] they get the same thing every time.”
The bistro offers American-Chinese cuisine, Lafitte said, in addition to a variety of sushi.
The 528 Roll, the restaurant’s signature sushi item, includes tempura shrimp and cream cheese topped with spicy mayonnaise and tempura flakes. Another selection unique to 528 Asian Bistro is the Milner Roll, which is named after one of the eatery’s first customers. The Milner Roll is made with tempura shrimp, eel, seaweed salad and cream cheese.
In addition to sit-down dining, 528 Asian Bistro offers takeout and delivery options. The restaurant delivers meals at no additional cost within a 5-mile radius on purchases of at least $15, Lafitte said. Customers can order online as well.
Daily lunch specials are popular with customers, she said. The dishes—which are available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.—come with soup, salad or an egg roll in addition to rice.
“Almost all of the [selections] from the dinner menu are on the lunch menu,” she said. “There’s a few that aren’t, but a good deal of them are.”
Lafitte said the warm, friendly atmosphere keeps customers coming back. The tight-knit relationship between 528 Asian Bistro employees and their regulars makes the experience rewarding.
“It makes you feel good to see everybody enjoy coming to eat here at the bistro,” she said.
528 Asian Bistro
709 W. Parkwood Ave., Friendswood 281-992-8881 www.528-asianbistro.com Hours: Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
