The Story Behind Chang Garden

Long before the doors opened, Chang Garden was shaped by a journey that began halfway around the world.

Sue and Tony, both originally from Taiwan, came to the United States with a dream of building something meaningful. Sue arrived in the U.S. as a teenager, and Tony followed in 1993. Their paths crossed while working at a Chinese restaurant, where a shared passion for hospitality and cuisine brought them together.

Over the years, Sue and Tony gained experience owning and operating several restaurants across Wisconsin and beyond, including Golden Dragon in Schofield, Hunan Garden locations in Woodruff and Eagle River, and a restaurant in Lafayette, Colorado. Each experience shaped their commitment to treating every guest like family.

After time spent in Colorado, the family returned to Central Wisconsin to be closer to friends and family. With deep roots in the area and Sue’s sister living in Wausau, opening Chang Garden here felt like coming home. The Wausau-area Chang Garden became the first of their restaurants in the region and laid the foundation for what the brand would become.

Plans for the Weston location began when customers in the area kept asking for delivery and takeout options closer to home. The original idea was a modest, small, takeout and delivery-focused restaurant. As Sue and Tony started working through the details, the plans kept growing. It soon became clear that it made more sense to build from the ground up and create something truly theirs. With that freedom, the vision continued to expand, ultimately becoming the warm, thoughtfully designed dining space guests enjoy today.

One of the most talked-about features of Chang Garden is its interior. The décor was designed and handcrafted in China, then shipped overseas piece by piece. Sue and Tony personally led the creative vision, ensuring every detail reflected an authentic, warm experience that reflected pride in their heritage.

Today, Chang Garden is managed by Michael - Sue’s son - and his wife Andrea, continuing the family tradition with the same values it was built on. Sue and Tony remain involved as owners, supporting the restaurant they worked decades to create.

Chang Garden is truly a family story shared with the community, bringing the taste of Asian cuisine and its atmosphere to central Wisconsin.