The Mulan Asian Bistro, a fixture in the Cooper-Young neighborhood for over a decade, has seen its last days at its Midtown location following a significant fire this past Monday. According to a social media post by the management and a notice on the door of the site obtained by Action News 5, the establishment will not be reopening its doors. The unfortunate incident resulted in one individual sustaining second-degree burns to their arm and face, the Memphis Fire Department reported to FOX13 Memphis.
The fire department valued the damages to the building at $75,000 and an additional $50,000 loss for contents inside the restaurant, while the restaurant's management also confirmed this closure will be permanent and advised patrons to visit their other location in East Memphis on Spottswood Avenue, as mentioned in a note from owner Matt Kan posted on the damaged building and reported by WREG. No firefighters were injured while combating the blaze, which broke out around 11:45 a.m. on Monday and was declared to be the result of cooking activities within the kitchen area.
The established eatery will continue serving customers at its second venue, located near the Target in East Memphis. The management assures their guests that this location is merely 10 minutes away from the now-closed Midtown restaurant. Details about the recovery progress of the injured individual are still forthcoming as the local news waits for an update on their condition; with this in mind, Memphis community members have shown their support for the staff and the person affected online. The injured person was taken to a burn center as per the Memphis Fire Department's information obtained by Action News 5.
In a follow-up to the story, authorities and fire investigators have confirmed the source of the fire was accidental and originated from the kitchen during cooking, which led to the significant damages and subsequent business closure the damages and resulting business decisions underscore not only the dangers inherent in restaurant operations but also the fragility of small businesses when faced with unforeseen calamities.
