WEST HAVEN, Feb. 21, 2025 — (Pictured): Holding oversize scissors, Yong Zhao and Wanting Zhang, the husband-wife owners of Nice Day Chinese Takeout, clap after cutting the ribbon with Mayor Dorinda Borer, second from left, to celebrate the grand opening of the couple’s Chinese American restaurant at 153 Sawmill Road on Friday, Feb. 21.
Joining them are, from left, state Reps. MJ Shannon, D-Milford, and Bill Heffernan, D-West Haven, and West Haven Business Alliance President Michelle Caprio.
The Sawmill Road location, formerly Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, joins five other Nice Day Chinese restaurants owned by Zhao and Zhang in Connecticut, including New Haven, and in New York.
Nice Day Chinese began in 2021 with a series of pop-ups in New York City, one of which gained national attention when NBC “Today” weather anchor Al Roker regularly visited and featured it on his broadcasts.
Encouraged by the pop-up events’ success, Zhao and Zhang took the next step in 2022 and planned their first permanent location.
The couple acquired their first restaurant in Huntington on Long Island as part of their rebranding initiative. Their mission was clear: acquire beloved but aging Chinese restaurants, modernize their operations, and maintain the authenticity of their food while elevating the quality and experience for a new generation of diners.
With a workforce of more than 100 employees, both full and part time, Nice Day has quickly established itself as a leader in the next era of Chinese American dining.
Nice Day’s Sawmill Road restaurant is nestled in Hillcrest Plaza with other small businesses and offers dine-in, delivery and catering options. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Zhao and Zhang chose the bustling retail corridor for a restaurant location because of the area’s dense population and proximity to West Haven Station, the city’s Metro-North Railroad commuter station, and to major traffic routes.
Nice Day combines classic flavors with a contemporary twist. Some of its signature dishes include Cheeseburger Egg Rolls, a fusion of American comfort food and Chinese crispy rolls; Ginger Pork, a fresh and flavorful take on a traditional favorite; and General Tso’s Chicken, made with all-natural ingredients for a cleaner, more authentic taste.
One standout dish is Ginger Beef, introduced by a renowned Canadian chef who joined the Nice Day team. As the head chef of the West Haven and New Haven locations, his expertise has made Ginger Beef one of the most popular menu items in Connecticut.
Zhao and Zhang were born and raised in China and hold multiple master’s degrees from Yale University in environmental science, philosophy and environmental policy.
Beyond their business endeavors, they are deeply committed to supporting the local communities they serve.
“We use food as a universal language to express ideas of living and communication within the communities,” Zhao said. “Food is our connection to new friends.”
With their innovative approach, the couple are not just serving meals; they are shaping the future of Chinese American dining — one restaurant at a time.
(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)
