Experience Timeless Elegance at A-Tan Restaurant: Your Destination for Classic Dining

My first trip to A-Tan Restaurant happened only a few weeks ago, despite hearing about it for years. I’m glad I finally made it!

Did you know that even actress Jessica Lange has dined there? She signed one of the curtains inside.

A-Tan is unique. One side has a lively hibachi area where chefs prepare delicious chicken, steak, and shrimp right in front of you. The other side, decorated with red lanterns and beautiful artwork, serves Chinese dishes in a cozy setting.

Tristina Wen, who co-owns the restaurant with her brother Brandon Vo, shared a fun tidbit: Some customers confuse A-Tan with a tanning salon! She tells me to always include “Restaurant” in its name.

While Tristina’s family is Vietnamese, they don’t serve Vietnamese food. She prefers to focus on the menu they have, keeping it simple yet satisfying.

The name A-Tan honors Tristina’s husband’s late mother. Tristina and her siblings have a long history in the restaurant business, including previous ventures before opening A-Tan in 1989.

Chian, Tristina’s husband, started at the Peking restaurant, which didn’t do well due to a limited menu. After pivoting to Chinese food, they experienced more success. Even after selling that place, Chian opened several more restaurants, including locations in Texas, all still family-owned today.

Tristina was just a college student when she first met Chian while grabbing takeout. She quickly became a fan of his hot and sour soup, which remains a favorite dish. After starting as a server, she worked her way up, always keen to learn every role in the restaurant.

A-Tan also introduced sushi to the menu after customers expressed interest when a former restaurant closed. Chian’s brother-in-law, with experience in hibachi cooking, helped launch the hibachi side.

Tristina isn’t shy about her challenges in the kitchen. She joked about her early sushi attempts being a bit messy and even greasy. Now, she’s confident and even works at the sushi bar and hibachi grill when needed.

Popular dishes here include General Tso’s chicken and sesame chicken. Over the years, notable diners have included NBA player Rudy Gay and former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland.

Interestingly, regulars make up most of A-Tan’s clientele, as many have been coming for years and know Tristina’s husband well.

Despite the restaurant’s success, Tristina and Brandon have no plans to open another location. They want to maintain A-Tan’s original charm and quality. As Tristina puts it, “Whatever my husband created, we want to keep it that way.”

This commitment to quality and tradition reflects a growing trend in the restaurant industry. Research shows that diners increasingly value authentic experiences over trendy, mass-produced food options.

For more information about A-Tan’s history and menu, visit A-Tan Restaurant.

A-Tan is located at 3445 Poplar Avenue in the Dillard Square Shopping Center.

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November 2025,Classic Dining,Michael Donahue,Food