The Red Sun Chinese Buffet has become a favorite place to dine for the Ball State and Muncie communities. For the past 18 months, the restaurant has brought great service and authentic food at reasonable prices.
"When we opened here," said manager Michael Chee, "Initially rumors said the restaurant would flourish for the first two or three months, then subside. But because of the owner's hard work, the food and the service, it's been a continuous bloom of business."
Chee attributes the success of the restaurant to the freshness and delicacy of the secret recipes, the authentic appeal and great service.
"What gets us to today's level is we always come up with something new. People don't get bored," he said.
But Chee appreciates the loyalty of the Red Sun's customers. He says about 80 percent of customers give repeat business, and much of the new business is from word-of-mouth advertising.
"We are always ready to accept suggestions from customers," he said. "We treat our customers as friends."
The restaurant has proven to be a popular place for the Ball State community.
Junior Holly Tarver eats at the Red Sun about once a week.
"It's very clean, and they have a great variety of food," she said.
"There is such a variety of food," freshman Angie Farmer said. "It isn't the same old boring stuff."
The owner of the Red Sun, James Yang, owned Tasty's Chinese Restaurant in the meadows. But when the Ontario Software Group moved to Muncie, it bought all the businesses and land in the area forcing Tasty's to close.
After a few years of pestering, Yang's friends convinced him to open another restaurant and 18 months ago the Red Sun Chinese Buffet opened its doors at 1505 N. Wheeling Ave.
Yang has tried to make the Red Sun a valuable asset to the Muncie community. Chee said Yang has helped bring the property value up by keeping the grounds clean and decorating the outside of the restaurant.
"The owners care about the community worth," Chee said.
One aspect of the Red Sun that separates it from other restaurants in Muncie is its Mongolian stir-fry grill. The customer chooses the meat and vegetables and watches while it is prepared in front of them.
Chee said the stir-fry is so delicious because all the food is cooked on the same plate. This allows the vitamins and juices to remain in the food.
"The Mongolian lifestyle is no different than gypsy lifestyle," Chee said. "The only way they know to cook is on a hot plate."
Chee believes the Red Sun is not just a place to dine, but also a place to learn.
"In the past 14 months I've realized a lot of locals don't have a good knowledge on how to enjoy a real, good Chinese meal," he said.
Chee attributes this to cultural differences. He said Americans take a bite then wash it down with a drink. However, he said, Chinese go for variety, taste and the authenticity of the entr+à-+e. The Chinese, he said, enjoy the food, then drink.
"We relate to customers who are willing to listen."
The Red Sun is open 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and closes at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Lunch costs $4.95, and dinner is $7.25.
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