The rumors are true about China Lantern in New Bedford. After 17 years of sitting vacant, patiently waiting, this Cinderella has finally decided to return to the ball. China Lantern in New Bedford is back, baby!
The Phones Started Ringing Right Away
The MGM Show brought our show to the celebration this week, and the ripple effect has been nothing short of stunning. The phone was ringing off the hook on Wednesday morning from excited former customers of the previous China Lantern restaurant.
“They were in disbelief that China Lantern was back,” said manager Jessie Mueller. “Everyone is wondering if it is the same owners running it, but it isn’t. The previous owners are in their 80s and are enjoying retirement in Florida.”
Mueller said renovations of the former China Lantern began about two years ago, and the restaurant had their soft opening a couple of weeks ago.
Meet Ling Ling the Robot Server
China Lantern’s reopening has an unlikely new star, its fully-functional robot named Ling Ling. The robot has become a mix between a mascot and an attraction, but Mueller said it is not just a novelty item. “That robot really helps,” she said. “It helps especially when you have a big table, you don’t have to run back and forth to the kitchen, Ling Ling can bring everything out at once. She makes the service better.”…