Amber 80st: A Legacy of Flavor, Family, and Resilience
If you ask Yuntang Jiang, the second-generation owner of Amber 80st, what makes the restaurant special, the answer is simple: family. It’s a story of tradition, resilience, and evolution. From its roots as a multi-location family endeavor to its current focus on delivering authentic Asian flavors, Amber 80st remains a beloved local favorite.
Carrying Forward a Family Legacy
Yuntang Jiang grew up watching his parents, the first-generation owners, pour their heart and soul into Amber. "They always focused on the food and the customers," Jiang explains. When the time came for him to step up, he took on the responsibility with pride and determination.
"I started about seven or eight years ago," Jiang recalls. “My parents are still involved, but we’ve slowly transferred most of the operation to me.” While his father still oversees kitchen ordering and training, Jiang has taken the reins on marketing, hiring, and updating the menu.
Standout Dishes That Keep Customers Coming Back
At Amber 80st, the food speaks for itself. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime regular, there are two dishes you simply can’t miss:
Tangerine Chicken: A signature dish that’s been on the menu since day one, it’s Jiang’s personal favorite. “It’s similar to orange chicken but with a special homemade sauce. That sauce has kept this dish a hit for years.”
Crispy Rice Volcano: A must-try appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. “It’s crispy fried rice topped with spicy tuna. A lot of restaurants do it, but we make ours with a unique texture and flavor—people can taste the difference.”
Amber 80st’s ability to balance consistency and innovation has earned it a loyal following. While Jiang updates the full menu about once a year, he also introduces seasonal specials to keep things exciting.
Weathering the Challenges of a Changing Industry
When the pandemic hit, Amber 80st—like many restaurants—faced unprecedented challenges. "We were closed for three months," Jiang shares. The team adapted quickly, introducing outdoor seating, QR code menus, and a new delivery system to meet changing customer needs.
But it wasn’t without hurdles. “Our regulars are older, so digital menus were tough for them. And takeout and delivery grew, but dining didn’t return 100%.” Jiang’s solution? A renewed focus on marketing.
“Before, we relied on regulars and word of mouth. Now we’re starting to use Instagram and Facebook to bring in new customers—people moving back into the city or discovering us for the first time.”
The Power of a Strong Team
Through all the challenges, Jiang credits his team for Amber 80st’s success. “We’re a family. My senior staff—like my head server—know our customers by name. They’ve helped me so much, especially during COVID. My advice for anyone running a restaurant? Keep good employees. They’re everything.”
Looking to the Future
For Jiang, the future of Amber 80st is about growth. “We want to focus on bringing back more dine-in customers. My parents focused on great food, and I want to build on that with stronger marketing and outreach.” He also hopes to connect with influencers and food enthusiasts to showcase Amber’s standout dishes to a wider audience.
When asked about a dream visitor to the restaurant, Jiang doesn’t name a celebrity or top chef. Instead, his answer reflects Amber 80st’s inclusive spirit: “Anybody is welcome here.”