Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with additional comments from Pei Wei spokesman John Glynn.
After four years in the Louisiana market, Pei Wei Asian Diner, a fast-casual Asian-inspired diner concept that’s part of the P.F. Chang’s family of restaurants, is closing all three of its restaurants in the state.
The Scottsdale, Arizona-based chain has locations in New Orleans, Metairie and in Baton Rouge. The Capital City’s Acadian Village Shopping Center location on Perkins Road and the New Orleans location on North Carrollton Avenue both closed on Sunday. In an email sent late Monday, Pei Wei spokesman John Glynn says the Metairie location will be closed by the end of this week.
“All employees will have the option to interview for positions at the P.F. Chang’s China Bistros in the area,” says Glynn.
Pei Wei, he says, is focused on growing its market share in areas where our restaurants are performing well.
“As much as we would have loved to stay in Louisiana, we unfortunately did not have the guest affinity we needed to remain in market,” Glynn says.
Founded in 2000, Pei Wei recently announced an expansion of its menu, remodels of some restaurants and the rollout of a new smartphone app in July. In April, the chain opened a new restaurant in both Florida and Texas, two of its key markets.
Pei Wei opened its Baton Rouge location in early 2014.
—Alexandria Burris
