It's a comeback story for the local gourmands: Austin's cherished Chinese dim sum joint is slated for a revival. New Fortune, a cultural fixture in the city's food scene until the pandemic put a halt to its operations, is preparing to dish out steamed buns and potstickers once again. William Wong is at the helm of this resurgence, spearheading the opening of New Fortune 2 near Anderson Mill, as a representative revealed. The new venue will occupy the address at 12300 FM 620, a building seasoned foodies might recall as the former abode of Jenna's Asian Kitchen.
The specifics on the menu might be hush-hush for now, but patrons should brace themselves for a spread of Chinese delicacies with a spotlight on Cantonese dim sum traditions, per the representative. As a treat for nostalgia-seekers, the weekends will witness a return of the beloved dim sum carts. The previous New Fortune had basked in the area's gastronomic limelight from 2014 to 2021, nestled in the Chinatown strip center, until the pandemic's blow forced its closure, according to the American-Statesman.
The shuttering of New Fortune in April 2021 sent ripples through Austin's dining community. The North Lamar locale shut its doors citing unsustainable operations amid lease challenges wrought by COVID-19. An Instagram post lamented, "Unfortunately, due to the struggles we’ve endured during this pandemic, we are no longer able to sustain our operations and continue with our lease." Despite the setback, the team held on to the hope of a future reopening and continued to cater events. While New Fortune took a breather, Jade Restaurant, helmed by co-owner chef William Wong, stayed active with takeaway offerings, as per Austin Eater.
As the city's food enthusiasts eagerly await the rekindling of the New Fortune experience, the anticipation simmers akin to a pot of perfectly brewed oolong tea—steady and promising. New Fortune 2 is keen on re-establishing its legacy, carving out a space where those memories can not only be remembered but relished once again.
