Yu’s China Bistro opened December 17 in Broadview Shopping Center, right before the first of the season’s major snowstorms.

“We were real busy,” said Shin Yu, who co-owns the new restaurant with her husband Far Chiang, who is the chef. “People were shopping at Food Lion and then they would come in here to get food to take home,” said Yu of their first day in business.

Both Yu and Chang have extensive experience in the restaurant business. Chiang has worked as a chef at Yen Ching and P.F. Changs restaurants in Richmond.

Yu said about half their business is currently take-out.

The new eatery is open seven days a week, Sunday through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Later this month, on February 23, the Goochland County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting Grand Opening Ceremony for the new restaurant as part of their Chamber After Hours program.

“We’re delighted that, even in these trying economic times, businesses continue to be attracted to Goochland County,” said Doris Elderman, the chamber’s CEO.  “Yu’s China Bistro offers not only tantalizing cuisine, but also down-home neighborliness.  We hope everyone will make plans to visit.”

The restaurant, which can seat up to 60 patrons inside, has a fairly extensive menu, featuring authentic Hunan and Szechwan cuisine, but it will also consider special requests, said Yu.

When warmer weather returns, a patio will offer outdoor dining space for 30 more patrons.

Yu said two factors are key to success in the restaurant business.

“I think food quality is very important and good service is essential,” she said.

Yu touted the restaurant’s Seafood Delight, which includes scallops, real lobster and King Crab.

But old faithful General Tso’s Chicken has turned out to be the most popular customer choice so far, said Yu.

Both Yu and her husband are originally from Taiwan. Chiang previously worked in New York City and Yu lived in Roanoke, where her parents have a restaurant.

Asked about opening a business in the middle of a business downturn, Yu sounded confident.

“I think we made the right decision,” adding that they are breaking even now despite the bad weather. “We are doing okay now.”