Leeann Chin has been serving signature Chinese cuisine to guests inside Fargo’s West Acres Shopping Center since 2011.

Often a hotspot for lunch, the space had seen years of steady demand from customers. After more than a decade of heavy use, the restaurant was ready for an update that would refresh the guest experience, improve kitchen efficiency, and help Leeann Chin stand out among the many dining options in the busy food court.

Great States Construction partnered with the ownership team to complete a full interior renovation that touched nearly every part of the restaurant. Even within the footprint of a mall food court, the project involved significant upgrades to both the kitchen and serving areas.

The project began with demolition of the existing space before new plumbing systems were installed, including updated piping, a new grease trap, and new floor drains. In the kitchen, stainless steel wall panels and a new wok station were added to support the fast-paced cooking environment and create an easy-to-maintain workspace that would stand up to years of use.

Up front in the highly visible serving area, the space was refreshed to align with Leeann Chin’s updated brand standards. Guests are immediately drawn to the space by bold red wall panels paired with a glass facade, refreshed graphics, a quartz countertop along the service line, and new digital menu screens. Updated ceilings and lighting behind the counter help highlight the dishes Leeann Chin is known for while creating a brighter, more inviting environment for guests.

Working within the constraints of the region’s busiest shopping mall required additional consideration regarding scheduling, delivery, and construction logistics. Because of the scope of the work, the 15-year-old restaurant briefly closed while renovations were underway.

Construction began in early January and by the end of February the refreshed Leeann Chin reopened, serving up fan favorites like Grilled Bourbon Chicken and crispy Orange Chicken.