Lao Sze Chuan, the Chicago-born Sichuan restaurant group, has officially landed in East Memphis, bringing tongue-tingling Szechuan flavors to the Ridgeway Trace shopping center on Poplar Avenue. That means local diners can now get their fix of mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and dry-chili chicken without turning it into a road trip, while the center adds yet another national nameplate to its growing collection of food concepts.
According to the Memphis Business Journal, the East Memphis location opened on Tuesday. The outlet reports that the general manager says the menu "targets American palates with adjustable spice levels," a hint that the kitchen is ready for both heat-seekers and those who prefer their Szechuan a bit more laid-back.
Where to find it
The restaurant has moved into the former Genghis Grill space at 5849 Poplar Ave, Suite 117, in the Ridgeway Trace center, according to local coverage of the project. What Now Memphis identified the specific suite and noted that the East Memphis expansion was first announced in late 2024.
Ridgeway Trace's changing lineup
The Ridgeway Trace complex has been steadily adding national and international food brands as part of a broader redevelopment effort, according to earlier reporting. The Daily Memphian reported that the center was nearing full occupancy after signing several new tenants, including an Asian bakery and the then-incoming Lao Sze Chuan.
What to expect from the menu
Lao Sze Chuan traces its roots to Chicago's Chinatown and is known for bold, numbing Sichuan dishes, according to the restaurant's website. Lao Sze Chuan highlights signature plates such as mapo tofu, dry-chili chicken, and whole grilled fish, and notes that the brand has expanded into multiple markets in recent years.
Part of a national push
The Memphis debut fits into a broader pattern of Lao Sze Chuan planting flags outside its Chicago home base, with newer locations rolling out big spaces and broad menus. Cleveland Scene profiled a similarly ambitious outpost in Ohio, describing how franchisees are building large dining rooms and extended menu lineups for new markets.
Memphis diners curious about Sichuan staples can check hours, menus, and ordering details on the restaurant's website. Lao Sze Chuan lists menus and online ordering options for its locations.
