What started as a beloved food truck in Lampasas has now become a full-fledged restaurant – and a true story of perseverance, community, and second chances.
Chef Quan Wong is no stranger to hard work or setbacks. After moving his culinary talents from Burnet to Lampasas, he launched a restaurant with high hopes. But within weeks, that dream unraveled. A sudden split with business partners left Quan without a kitchen, without a job, and without a place to live.
Rather than respond with anger, Quan chose quiet resilience. “There’s no point in fighting back,” he said. “I let my actions speak for me.”
Those actions – and his unforgettable cooking – made a lasting impression on the community. One loyal fan, Aaron Sanders, who had followed Quan’s food from Burnet, decided to step in. After reading about Quan’s situation, Aaron donated to his GoFundMe, then bought a food truck so Quan could start again.
That truck became the first Mei Yuan – a mobile Chinese kitchen that quickly won over locals across Lampasas County and beyond. Quan’s flavors even drew fans from Oklahoma, including a 102-year-old who made weekly trips just for his food.
But cooking in a Texas food truck in 110-degree heat takes its toll. Aaron and other supporters knew Quan deserved more than a hot metal box on wheels. When a restaurant space opened up in the Marketplace at Sulphur Creek, thanks to Sandy Irvin, the pieces fell into place.
Now, Mei Yuan is proud to call Lampasas home – for real this time.
“This isn’t just another chance,” Quan says. “It’s my last chance, my best chance – and it’s for my kids, my customers, my community.”
The new Mei Yuan Chinese Restaurant brings all the classic dishes you know and love from the food truck – plus a few creative twists like brisket eggrolls and Rangoon poppers.
