New “modern Chinese” restaurant set to open in Dallas’ Preston Center

New owners will try to exorcise old demons from an ill-fated restaurant space this fall when experienced Dallas restaurant manager Jia Huang opens her first solo venture, Jia’s – Modern Chinese.

Billed as an upscale modern Chinese restaurant, Jia’s is slated to open in September. The restaurant will serve “homemade-style traditional dishes alongside healthier gluten-and MSG-free choices, a spokesman tells EscapeHatch.

Jia’s is under construction now in the Berkshire Court Building at Preston Center, 8411 Preston Road #132. Sound familiar? Yep, that’s the former Mi Piaci/Crudo Taverna/Cucina Neighborhood Italian space. When it opens, the first floor will serve as Jia’s the main dining room, while the second floor will be a cocktail lounge.

You might recognize Huang from her long career managing restaurants for Lombardi Family Concepts (owners of Taverna and Tolouse, among others). Huang says Jia’s “will be a place where people can get the best Chinese food and have the best time.” Huang promises modern dishes with cocktail and wine pairings based on trends, dishes and flavors she discovers during her annual trips to China.

photo of Jia Huang courtesy of Jia’s Modern Chinese