Greenfield's Lychee Garden Finding Ways Through Coronavirus Ban

GREENFIELD, WI — As many restaurants throughout the Milwaukee area struggle through the new coronavirus public health emergency, some, like the Lychee Garden, 7920 W Layton Ave. in Greenfield, are making difficult adjustments while also finding new ways to keep their business open and serve customers.

Owners Frank Yee and Willy Holeon said they've had to make the tough decision to minimize their staff and hours of operation, and are operating as lean as possible.

"We are operating at approximately 30 percent of our normal business. Prior to COVID-19, a large percentage of our business was dine-in and bar customers. We are adapting to the new way of business; carryout and delivery only," they said to Patch.

Sen Nguyen, an employee of the restaurant said she's one of the workers who's going in every day to keep the restaurant running. "I am still working and thankful for this. It is hard to determine how busy we will be, so every day is different. It is nice to still be able to see customers daily."

The owners of Lychee Garden said they are open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are offering carryout. In order to adapt and practice social distancing, they're also offering curbside pick up and pick up out of our patio window.

Lychee Garden has also started to offer delivery service on the weekends on Friday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Delivery is available within a 5-mile radius of Lychee Garden for a minimal fee. The delivery fee goes directly to the employee who delivers the food.

"We just celebrated our 35th Anniversary in March at Lychee Garden, and we intend to continue serving the community in the future," Yee said. "We are very appreciative to all of our customers and their support during this unprecedented time. Our long time customers and employees are like family to us, so we are optimistic that it will all work out and we will be sharing laughs with them again soon."

When asked which types of entrees hold up the best for carryout or delivery, Holeon said their appetizers and entrees are great for delivery and carryout. "Actually, leftovers even reheat well! Some of our top selling appetizers and entrees are Crab Ragoon, Kowloon Chicken or Beef, Chicken Wings, Lychee Fried Rice, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Special Shrimp and Scallops, and Hong Kong Steak (NY Strip)," he said to Patch.