Great Sushi, Good Bourbon, and Familiar Faces
There are restaurants you visit because you like the food.
And then there are restaurants you keep going back to because, somewhere along the way, the people who work there start feeling like friends.
For me, Jia Asian Fusion in Gastonia is one of those places.
I’ve been eating at Jia for years, and it’s become one of my favorite places to enjoy a good meal, relax, and catch up with some familiar faces.
I’ve gotten to know several members of the staff over the years, including Susan, Entia, Sunny, and Bryson.
And while the food is certainly what brought me through the door originally, the people, atmosphere, and consistently good experience are what keep bringing me back.
Of course, the bourbon selection doesn’t hurt either.
A Little Gastonia History
One thing some people may not realize is that Jia hasn’t always been in its current location.
It originally operated just down South New Hope Road, in the space now occupied by Tasty—another one of my favorite restaurants.
Apparently, I have a habit of finding restaurants I like along that particular stretch of road.
Jia eventually outgrew its original location and moved into its current, larger restaurant in 2017.
The restaurant’s owner, Peter Wu, brought his experience with sushi preparation and Asian cuisine to the business, helping develop the menu and dining experience Jia is known for today.
And here’s something I discovered while researching this article.
Susan Tamtomo, whom I’ve gotten to know over the years, was already serving as general manager when Jia made that move.
That means Susan has been helping make Jia what it is for well over a decade.
I think that’s pretty cool.
Restaurants come and go, but the people who consistently make customers feel welcome are often the reason a business becomes part of a community.
And Susan, along with Entia, Sunny, Bryson, and the rest of the staff, is a big part of why I keep coming back.
Let’s Talk About the Food
One of the things I enjoy about Jia is the variety.
Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, hibachi, or something else from their Asian-inspired menu, there’s plenty to choose from.
I’ve developed a few favorites over the years.
The Valentine Roll is probably my favorite thing on the menu.
And I almost always enjoy starting with a bowl of their hot and sour soup.
If I’m in the mood to change things up, the Firebird Roll and Mexican Roll are two other favorites.
But I’m not exclusively a sushi guy.
Their hibachi chicken and steak are also dishes I enjoy regularly.
I suppose you could say I’ve done a fair amount of research on the menu over the years.
And that’s one of the things I appreciate about having a restaurant you frequent.
You find the things you love, but there’s always something else to try.
The Atmosphere Makes a Difference
Good food is important.
But I think the atmosphere of a restaurant can make or break the experience.
Jia has a really comfortable feel to it.
The lighting is dim, the atmosphere is relaxed, and there’s a nice bar where you can settle in and enjoy a drink.
It’s the kind of place where you can have a nice dinner without feeling like you’re in a hurry to finish and leave.
Whether you’re stopping in for sushi, having dinner with friends, or just relaxing at the bar, it’s an inviting place to spend some time.
And speaking of the bar…
Wait… Bourbon at an Asian Fusion Restaurant?
Now here’s something you might not expect.
Jia has a surprisingly good bourbon selection.
And if you know me, you know I appreciate a good bourbon.
My personal favorite is Angel’s Envy, and fortunately, Jia carries it.
But they’ve also got some other excellent choices, including Eagle Rare, Old Fitzgerald, and Colonel E.H. Taylor.
That’s a pretty respectable lineup.
And if you’re not sure what to order, there’s somebody you should get to know.
Bryson.
Bryson is one of the bartenders at Jia, and he seems to know his way around the bourbon world.
If you’re interested in trying something different or looking for a recommendation, he’s a good person to ask.
I always appreciate someone who knows their craft.
And there’s something enjoyable about having a conversation with somebody who’s genuinely knowledgeable about what they’re serving.
Who would’ve thought an Asian fusion restaurant would also be a pretty good place to explore bourbon?
Apparently, Jia got the memo.
It’s the People Who Make the Difference
I’ve written about this before, but I think it’s worth repeating.
A business can have a great product and still struggle to create a great experience.
The difference is often the people.
I’ve gotten to know Susan, Entia, Sunny, and Bryson over the years, and that familiarity is part of what makes Jia special to me.
There’s something nice about walking into a restaurant and recognizing the people who work there.
You exchange a few words.
Catch up.
Maybe share a laugh.
And what could have been just another dinner out becomes something a little more personal.
That’s the kind of thing you can’t manufacture with a marketing campaign.
It’s built over time through good service, consistency, and genuine relationships.
And it’s one of the reasons I enjoy supporting local businesses.
My Take
When I think about why I’ve continued going to Jia Asian Fusion for years, it really comes down to three things.
Great food. Friendly people. A comfortable atmosphere.
It’s not complicated.
But getting all three right consistently isn’t necessarily easy.
Jia does a good job of it.
I know I can walk in, order a Valentine Roll and some hot and sour soup, enjoy a good bourbon, and have a great experience.
And chances are, I’ll see a few familiar faces while I’m there.
That’s my kind of restaurant.
The Bottom Line
If you haven’t tried Jia Asian Fusion, I’d encourage you to give it a shot.
If you like sushi, start with the Valentine Roll. That’s my personal recommendation.
If sushi isn’t your thing, the hibachi chicken or steak might be more your speed.
And if you enjoy a good bourbon, pull up a seat at the bar and ask Bryson for a recommendation.
Tell Susan, Entia, Sunny, or Bryson that Craig sent you.
They’ll probably know exactly who you’re talking about.
And if you happen to see me sitting at the bar with a Valentine Roll and an Angel’s Envy…
Well, now you know why.
Visit Jia Asian Fusion
Jia Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar
3418 S. New Hope Road
Gastonia, NC 28056
Phone: 704-879-9344