“I know I’ve missed my home cooking, and this is a good area close to the university to help those international students (at MSU) who feel the same,” he said.

Chopstix opened its doors for business April 4, and Chou said so far the restaurant has seen steady business, but it is not quite at the level of response he had hoped for. Chou said in the future he might look to work with student organizations to help drum up some interest in the restaurant.

Previously, Chou owned Jasmine Thai & China Bistro, another Asian cuisine restaurant located in Ann Arbor where his chef earned a three-star review from the Detroit Free Press.

Of all the items on Chopstix’s menu, Chou said he has received an enthusiastic response from his customers about his beef and noodle soup.

Graduate student Yu-Hao Lee has visited Chopstix twice already and both times had high praise for the beef and noodle soup. He said the one thing that sets the restaurant apart from its local competition is its authenticity.

“Most Chinese restaurants (have) very Americanized versions (of the food), so when we get something that’s not Americanized, it’s really nice,” he said.

Peking Express manager John Zheng said he isn’t concerned about the added competition Chopstix brings to the area because his restaurant concentrates more on delivery orders than the in-house dining experience that Chou’s business focuses on.

He added that since Chopstix is essentially replacing Asian House, he doesn’t expect there to be much of a change from what the previous owners did. Still, with the majority of students set to leave the area in the coming weeks, Zheng said only time will tell how Chopstix will fare.

“Right now, with summer time coming it will be a very tough time for everybody,” he said.

But Chou is confident in himself and his restaurant and said he looks forward to serving the student and East Lansing community.

“We are not simply just another Asian restaurant down the road,” he said. “And I have a passion for cooking and to serve the customer.”