Irving-based Pei Wei Asian Kitchen has summoned a celebrity chef to add some ka-pow. The second-largest Chinese fast-casual restaurant chain in the U.S. is featuring new dishes from Food Network star Jet Tila, continuing a partnership forged by the chain and the chef in 2020.
Tila’s creations include:
- House Special Chicken
- Mongolian Green Beans
- Spicy Drunken Noodles
- Thai Coconut Curry
- Spicy Korean BBQ Steak
- Thai Basil Cashew Chicken
- Firecracker Chicken and Tofu, which has become Pei Wei’s top selling item
In February, they’ll launch Grilled Bourbon Chicken, which they optimistically predict will become one of their most successful launches ever. The entree features chicken tossed in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce, for $10.
Customers can get a sneak peek by ordering the dish on Pei Wei’s App or website from February 9-15. It will then be available in stores starting February 16, and will stay on the menu “indefinitely.”
Pei Wei currently has 119 locations in 17 states, plus 13 nontraditional units in airports and college campuses.
In October 2017, the company relocated its headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona to the Las Colinas Highlands office tower in Irving. In May 2019, Pei Wei was acquired by financier Lorne Goldberg (who also owns Pick Up Stix, Leeann Chin, and Mandarin Express). All restaurants are company-owned except for its airports, colleges, and casinos.
