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This new Smithtown restaurant is giving you an alternative to Panera Bread, but with an Asian twist.
Alex Yeh, a former Nobu chef who founded Wild Ginger nearly 30 years ago, launched a new venture on Saturday with the grand opening of Wild Ginger Xpress.
For those unfamiliar, Wild Ginger is a dine-in Asian fusion restaurant in Smithtown at 69 Smithtown Blvd. Yeh also owned locations in Great Neck, Rockville Centre, and East Northport but later sold them during the pandemic.
Yeh, who grew up in Valley Stream, now lives locally in Smithtown. After seeing the fast-dining options in the area, he wanted to offer a to-go type of concept.
“Something quick and easy that you can grab to go and run,” he described the concept to GreaterLongIsland.com in a phone interview.
Thus, Wild Ginger Xpress was born at 182 Terry Road.
He teamed up with Smithtown brothers Joe and Bill Depaolo, owners of B&R Plumbing and Heating, along with his wife Sharon Cheng to bring it to life.
Here’s how it works: At the counter, you can choose from a variety of hibachi bowls, ramen, and bubble teas. Each meal comes with a beverage.
And if you’re looking for a spot to work from, you’re welcomed at Wild Ginger Xpress, which has seating for 15. “Bring your laptop, there’s outlets and Wi-Fi. Do work, whatever you need,” said Yeh.
While it’s only been less than a week since its launch, Yeh has been very happy with the response so far.
“People have been loving it,” he said. “They say they didn’t have anything like this in this town.”
His best seller has been the hibachi bowls.
Yeh is hoping the concept takes off and has plans to bring more to Long Island in the future.
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Photos
All photos courtesy of Wild Ginger Xpress.
