Mama Fu's Asian Housestill wants to open an eatery in Rochester, but don't expect to try General Fu's Chicken here anytime soon.
The Austin, Texas-based "Asian-centric" restaurant chain says its plans for a downtown location near Mayo Clinicare "indefinitely" postponed at this point.
Buzz about the quick Asian cuisine brand has been simmering since last year when the PB's insatiably hungry Answer Manwrote a column in November that said Mama Fu's had marked off a space in the Kahler Grand Hotelfor a Rochester restaurant. Building permit applications were submitted to the city. Signs went in up in the Kahler promoting the future arrival of the franchise.
In recent months, Mama Fu's CEO still was mentioning the future Rochester location in news stories about the chain's plans to open smaller places as well as it's expansion into the Middle East.
Mama Fu's was slated to part be of the Kahler Hospitality Group's growing portfolio of franchise food spots including, Dunkin' Donuts and Freshens.
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However, the signs came down and talk of Mama Fu's eventually faded. Albert Im, marketing manager for the Austin company, cleared up the situation in email this week.
"Mama Fu's and our franchise partner were looking forward to opening this year in the Mayo Clinic area. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances and logistical issues associated with the site, we have postponed plans to open in Rochester indefinitely until our next steps are identified," he wrote. "While we have every expectation that Rochester will be a fantastic market for Mama Fu's Asian House, we are unable to determine a time frame for our emergence into the community."
So, it may be a while longer until the local franchise partner opens a Mama Fu's in Rochester. However, work is progressing quickly on the Kahler Hospitality Group's second Freshens cafe. It will be located in the Marriott Subwayin the former home of The Crate. — Jeff Kiger
