New Star is a family restaurant. Now a new generation of the Zhao family is taking the reins. Frank Zhao, son of owner Jinny Zhao, began managing the restaurant in the last year. He aims to continue his mother’s high standards.
“I am very focused on maintaining food product quality,” Zhao said. “I try to make sure that I uphold the values and the core tenants that my family wants to represent when they are doing business.”
His mom, Jinny Zhao, is still the face of the restaurant. She can still be found most days greeting customers and answering the phone.
“She likes to be in there, so I’m glad to have her when she feels like she wants to be.”
These days customers walk in the door not only looking for their favorite dishes, but also for a good deal, according to Zhao.
“Guests are more value minded. People are more concerned about making sure that they can stay stable for the future. I try to keep prices very reasonable for the amount of portion that you receive.”
The menu has many $15 entrees that come with enough to take home seconds.
Feeding families has always been a part of the New Star concept. With the wide menu, featuring many Asian specialties, such as Thai, Chinese, sushi, Tiki drinks, everyone can find a dish to suit their tastes.
Catering to the younger members of the family has always been important too. Zhao says he wants kids to be excited about coming to the restaurant. New Star goes the extra mile for them, going beyond the typical crayons and coloring sheet. Each child gets a toy to keep them busy and a menu that can provide stepping-stones to entice picky eaters to go beyond their comfort zone.
One appetizer that always delights is beef skewers.
“Younger guests maybe are more conservative. We bring a little grill to the table. Kids love it. You get to put a little bit of beef on a skewer. It’s kind of like a little camping activity,” said Zhao. “It’s a really good way of getting people to explore a different dish.”
Orange chicken has been a staple for many to begin a journey into Chinese specialties. Another is Sizzling Beef. The dish arrives at the table on a metal platter still audibly cooking. Fragrant steam rises. All the senses are engaged.
A mainstay on the menu is honey walnut shrimp.
“That’s a classic Chinese dish. It always does really well here. It’s a relatively premium dish, but I think a lot of guests crave that classically modern Chinese food.”
As for Frank Zhao, his goal as manager will be to keep the dependable high quality and value that has been the guiding star at New Star since his mother took over from the Moy family 10 years ago.
“I’m helping my family take care of the restaurant, making sure that everyone has a good path towards a stable future, right? Not only for me, but also for my customers and my employees.”
Know before you go
Website: newstarrestaurant.com
Address: 7444 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 9:30 p.m.