Asian restaurant expands into former David's Books space in downtown Ann Arbor
Asian Legend restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor will be doubling in size after signing a lease to take over the former David’s Books independent bookstore space.
The restaurant, located at 516 E. William St., is expanding into the neighboring space and knocking down the wall that separated Asian Legend from David’s Books, said building owner Nick Genova.
Asian Legend, located at 516 East William Street in downtown Ann Arbor, is expanding into the former David's Books space next door.
Lizzy Alfs | AnnArbor.com
David’s Books, a local independent shop that opened in Ann Arbor in 1979, closed in May after its lease expired.
“It didn’t make sense to continue the bookstore due to the way the publishing business is right now,” Genova said. “And so their lease was up and it was just time for them to move on.”
Now, Genova said the Asian Legend expansion will make the first floor of the building one big space totaling 2,500 square feet.
“They are knocking down the wall in between,” he said. “There will also be a new kitchen. There will still be two doors, but one door will be an emergency exit.”
Genova said that construction on the building should be completed by the end of August, and he anticipates the restaurant only closing its doors for a week during the renovations.
The restaurant manager declined to comment except to say the restaurant needed more space.
Genova said the decision to expand Asian Legend comes as the restaurant has seen steady business in downtown Ann Arbor.
“They are very good and have a really good base with a lot of regular customers,” he said. “They do a fine job in there, so we’re hoping that this will help them be a premier restaurant.”
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
timjbd
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.
Who needs books when there's an opportunity to scarf more cheap Chinese food?
DBH
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.
Perhaps the increased space will allow them to improve on their next health inspection. On March 21, they had 12 noncritical violations and one critical violation involving mold and dried-on food debris on a blender. As is true with most critical violations, it was corrected at the time of the inspection but, really, mold? Ugh.
mike gatti
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 2:51 a.m.
I still dig those Taiwanese snacks
DBH
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 5:22 p.m.
4fingers - yes, seriously. I know, I found the report "distasteful" as well. You can find the reports yourself at <a href="http://www.swordsolutions.com/inspections/pgeSearchRest.asp?Hit=DirectSearch&LastCty=28" rel='nofollow'>http://www.swordsolutions.com/inspections/pgeSearchRest.asp?Hit=DirectSearch&LastCty=28</a>. timjbd - you're welcome.
timjbd
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
I appreciate the info. Thanks.
4 Fingers
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
Seriously?? Seems like every time I read an article about a restaurant you have a comment about there health report.
A2K
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
Yum. I am semi-obsessed with Asian Legend's Wuxi ribs and Lamb with Basil dishes...also love their Ma Po Tofu. I look forward to being able to dine with more than 4 friends comfortably in the new space!