Only a year apart in age, brother and sister Jennifer and Daniel Chang fought a lot as children, but as adults they have operated a successful Chinese restaurant for 22 years and consider themselves best friends.

Originally from Taiwan, the Chang family moved to Bolivia before eventually relocating to Fayetteville, Arkansas.  Jennifer and Daniel speak fluent Chinese, Spanish, and English.  The siblings started J. D. China in Evelyn Hills in 1985 where they served local clients fresh cooked meals as well as an all-you-can-eat buffet for 17 years.  Unlike other Chinese restaurants with buffets, everything is cooked fresh daily at J. D. China.

 “I had always liked to cook, and my mother was a great cook, so we put all our recipes together and opened a restaurant,” Jennifer said.  “We are really grateful that we have received the support of the local community.  Our customers are just like family.”

 Needing more space, they bought land on 6th Street in 2000 and opened the doors of their new restaurant in 2002.  Instead of  the 15 tables and one buffet at the Evelyn Hills location, the new restaurant, in Fayetteville, Arkansas,  seats 250 people and has six buffets with fresh seafood, sushi, many vegetarian plates, and customer favorites like apple fritters and banana bread.  It also includes a private banquet room that seats 60-70.  Jennifer said her loyal customers followed her to the new location, and she has picked up new business from Farmington, the bypass, and the nearby schools.

 Even though it has grown tremendously, J. D. China is still a family affair.  While Daniel manages the kitchen, preparing fresh chinese foods.  Jennifer takes care of the front, and her two sons help out part of the time.  Her oldest son, Derek Lee, recently graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in kinesiology and plans to travel to China soon.  Her youngest son, Kenton Lee, attends Woodland Junior High where he plays football.  Daniel’s children, Victor and Veronica Chang, also work part time while they attend college. 

 After running the restaurant for so many years, Jennifer said she is seeing the second generation of clients come in.
 “I see kids we used to serve who are now pushing a stroller,” she said.

 Although J. D. China is known for its all-you-can-eat buffets, they also offer daily specials, a full menu of made-to-order meals, to-go meals, and a drive through window.  Stop by for a great authentic Chinese meal any day of the week between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. at 1740 W. 6th Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

Call 479-442-5875 for more information, and visit www.jdchinarestaurant.com to see a full menu.