Nanking Inn closing; Chinese eatery to open near UD

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DAYTON — One Chinese restaurant is poised to call it quits after 25 years of serving customers in Belmont, while another is poised to open near the University of Dayton.

Albert Hwang, the 77-year-old owner of the Nanking Inn at 2627 S. Smithville Road, says he will retire March 31 and will close the restaurant unless it is sold in the next six weeks. Business has been steady, Hwang said, but “my age is telling me it’s time to retire. Doing this is a very hard business.”

Most days, Hwang handles the entire front-of-the-house operation of his restaurant, waiting on every customer and running the cash register. It’s the kind of hands-on operation he has embraced since he opened Nanking Inn on Dec. 14, 1986.

“My customers love to have me wait on them,” Hwang said. “I love to talk. All of my regular customers have become my friends, and that’s one thing I’m proud to say.”

Hwang said he’ll “have to rest for a few days” after March 31 and will join his wife in preparing to take a South American cruise arranged by his son. Meanwhile, the restaurant, building and property are for sale.

“My customers are very sad, and I feel sad too,” Hwang said. “I will miss the chance to laugh with my customers every day.”

A few miles away, another Chinese restaurant is preparing to open.

Henry Wang, owner of North Village Chinese Restaurant at 137 Jasper St. off of Brown Street near UD, said he will open for business Wednesday, Feb. 23. The restaurant is located in a former nail salon that lies between Dewey’s Pizza and Penn Station restaurants.

Wang said he has worked at other Chinese restaurants in the area for 10 years and wanted to open his own eatery. The new restaurant will employ about 10 people and will seat 20 diners. Carry-out will be available. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more information, call (937) 223-5898.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2258 or mfisher@DaytonDailyNews.com.