How Leeann Chin Became A Minnesota Culinary Icon

This restaurant has been a Minnesota favorite for more than 45 years, but many people still don't realize the restaurant chain was founded right here in the Twin Cities. From its humble beginnings in a home sewing business to nearly 40 locations statewide, it's a true Minnesota success story!

When it comes to nostalgia, few things bring up as many fond memories as those once-popular restaurants that are now gone for good. To start walking down memory lane, all you have to do is think about some of those places your parents took you when you were a kid that are now long since gone.

This Minnesota Chain First Started in Minnesota Back in 1980

And, restaurants play a unique role in our economy and culture, both here in Minnesota and across the country. The National Restaurant Association estimates that there are currently over 11,100 restaurants in the North Star State, generating over $15 billion in sales.

Luckily, this popular restaurant chain isn't gone-- it's still going strong here in the Bold North. So strong, in fact, that it will celebrate its 46th anniversary in business in October of this year. And, yes, the name of the restaurant *is* the name of its founder.

We're talking about the classic fast-casual Chinese food chain, Leeann Chin. It's the restaurant likely responsible for introducing the now-familiar Asian-inspired flavors and cuisine to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

A Leeann Chin location in Woodbury, MN. (Google Maps)

The Minnesota Woman Behind Leeann Chin

The chain, which now boasts nearly 40 eateries, was first started by Leeann Chin in Minneapolis back in 1980. The chain's website says the restaurant was formed after Leeann left her native country, China, and emigrated to Minnesota, and formed a sewing business in her home.

She would often prepare traditional Chinese dishes for her customers as a gesture of appreciation. Once they discovered Leeann’s hidden culinary talent and gift for entertaining, these customers encouraged her to teach them her recipes and cater local events and dinner parties.

That led to the creation of her first restaurant, and that, in turn, led to the chain that just celebrated its 45th anniversary last October. Even though Leeann herself passed away in 2009, today, you can find the restaurants bearing her name in the following Minnesota cities:

Apple Valley
Blaine
Bloomington
Brooklyn Center
Burnsville
Champlin
Chanhassen
Coon Rapids
Eagan
Eden Prairie
Edina
Elk River
Golden Valley
Maple Grove
Maplewood
Minneapolis
Minnetonka
Plymouth
Savage
Shakopee
Shoreview
St. Anthony
St. Cloud
St. Louis Park
St. Paul

Leeann Chin's 45th Anniversary Last Fall Inspired a Minnesota Holiday

Plus, there are also Leeann Chin restaurants outside of Minnesota, located in Hudson, Wisconsin; Fargo and Minot, North Dakota; Atlanta, Georgia; and Baltimore, Maryland.

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And in honor of Leann Chin's 45 years in business last fall, the state of Minnesota officially declared October 20, 2025, to be 'Leeann Chin Cream Cheese Puff Day.' (Not many businesses can say they have a holiday named in their honor!)

So, a big congrats to all parties involved for keeping this Minnesota classic restaurant going all these years! Of course, that's not the case for many other popular chains, however. Keep scrolling to check out 50 beloved retail chains that weren't so successful and are now not around anymore.