Chi's Chinese Cuisine Closes Little Rock Location

The longstanding restaurant at 17200 Chenal Parkway has shuttered its doors to pursue a move to a larger space.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Dining Out

Gouache-painted illustration of brass keys and ceramic bowls on a wooden surface, representing a local restaurant relocation. — Chi's Chinese Cuisine has closed its Chenal Parkway location in Little Rock after 30 years to prepare for a planned expansion. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chi's Chinese Cuisine officially ceased operations at its Chenal Parkway location following service on October 24, 2026. The restaurant, which had served the area for nearly 30 years, intends to relocate to a larger site.

Why it matters

The closure marks a significant change for a longtime local staple that had simply outgrown its original storefront. The move represents an effort by the owners to expand their capacity while maintaining the brand presence of the Chi Restaurant Group.

The restaurant operated at 17200 Chenal Parkway for nearly three decades before closing. The Chi Restaurant Group continues to manage other local establishments including Sushi Cafe West and Prospect Sports Bar & Grill.

The players

Chi's Chinese Cuisine

A local restaurant institution that has served the Little Rock community for almost 30 years.

Chi Restaurant Group

The parent organization that manages multiple dining and nightlife venues across Little Rock.

The details

The decision to close was driven by the need for more space to accommodate customer demand. As the final Chinese restaurant under the Chi Restaurant Group umbrella, the move is a major operational shift for the local hospitality firm.

The restaurant originally opened on Chenal Parkway in 1997.
Operations at the Chenal Parkway location concluded on October 24, 2026.

Culture Shift

This closure follows the post-pandemic trend of restaurant expansion into larger footprints. The transition highlights how established local businesses are prioritizing increased capacity to accommodate evolving consumer demand in the Little Rock dining scene.

Regular patrons will need to seek out alternative dining options while the restaurant undergoes its relocation process. The management's other venues, including Sushi Cafe West and Prospect Sports Bar & Grill, remain open for business.

The takeaway

When local staples outgrow their space, the resulting move often signals a commitment to long-term growth within the community. Customers should stay alert for future announcements regarding the new location's opening to avoid missing the restaurant's return.