A fast-casual Vietnamese street food–inspired restaurant is set to open its first North Bay restaurant Sept. 19 at Town Center Corte Madera, marking the Bay Area chain’s ninth location.
Read more More major delays for BART riders, as service closed near SFO
The 2,401-square-foot Asian Box restaurant at 147 Corte Madera Town Center Drive, on the same side of the 440,000-square-foot open-air shopping center as Safeway, according to a Town Center leasing brochure.
The eatery will occupy a former Veggie Grill space. The vegan restaurant chain opened there in January 2015, according to Marin Magazine, and closed in August 2023 among 12 shuttered sites. The chain in 2024 merged with Next Level Burger.
Asian Box was founded in 2011 by chef Grace Nguyen, restaurateur Frank Klein and chef Chad Newton. The Corte Madera opening follows the company’s recent launch at San José Mineta International Airport.
“Now more than ever, consumers are seeking highly personalized food offerings that are made fresh, authentic, and don’t compromise on flavor,” Nguyen said in an announcement. “With Asian Box’s new opening in Corte Madera, I’m excited to bring a healthy fast-casual option and authentic Vietnamese flavors from my own family’s heritage to a new community.”
The Palo Alto-based restaurant’s made-to-order menu is 100% gluten-free and includes build-your-own boxes, signature boxes, pho, banh mi sandwiches, spring rolls, boba teas, beer and wine. Vegan and vegetarian options also are available.
Read more Andy’s Pet Shop — and its iconic sign — ready for a rebirth in San Jose
Nguyen graduated from the California Culinary Academy and previously worked under chef Charles Phan as sous chef at Slanted Door and executive chef of Out the Door, according to Asian Box.
CEO Chuck Imerson told Nation’s Restaurant News in 2023 that the company had shifted toward slower expansion after opening seven locations from late 2016 through mid-2020.
“We’re not in a race,” Imerson said at the time.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Sept. 18. The restaurant opens the following morning at 11 a.m., with tote bags for the first 100 guests.
Regular hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Jeff Quackenbush joined North Bay Business Journal in May 1999. Reach him at [email protected] or 707-521-4256.
Read more Sam’s Club dispute ends with driver shot in front of his family
About the Author
