Dumpling Plus to Open Second Location in The Grove
The restaurant is scheduled to expand its St. Louis presence into the former Chao Baan space by late November 2026.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Dumpling Plus will open its second St. Louis location in The Grove at 4087 Chouteau in late November 2026. This expansion follows the closure of the longtime tenant Chao Baan on September 20, 2026.
Why it matters
The project marks a significant growth milestone for the restaurant concept, which debuted its flagship location in the Delmar Loop during the summer of 2026. It brings a new focus on Jiangnan-style cuisine to the neighborhood.
The new restaurant will occupy the 4087 Chouteau storefront that served as the home for Chao Baan for seven years. The menu features six different dumpling fillings prepared by hand in the kitchen.
The players
Tony Liu
He is an owner and operator of the Dumpling Plus restaurant chain who moved to St. Louis in 2013.
Chin Zhang
He is a co-owner and operator of Dumpling Plus.
Yaya Wang
She is the chef who oversees kitchen operations and menu development after previously working for the Din Tai Fung restaurant chain.
The details
The new restaurant features a dedicated kitchen window that allows diners to observe staff hand-making the signature xiaolongbao soup dumplings. Chef Yaya Wang, who previously worked for the Din Tai Fung chain, leads the menu development for owners Tony Liu and Chin Zhang.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Chao Baan closed its restaurant at 4087 Chouteau.
Summer 2026: The original Dumpling Plus opened in the Delmar Loop.
Late November 2026: The second Dumpling Plus location is expected to open.
Market Landscape
The project follows the Din Tai Fung expansion model by emphasizing visible handmade dumpling production to differentiate the brand in a competitive market. This move allows the restaurant to capture foot traffic in The Grove following the vacancy of a long-standing culinary fixture.
Residents of The Grove can expect new access to Jiangnan-style dishes and soup dumplings within walking distance starting this winter. The addition aims to replace the dining void left by the closure of the previous occupant at the Chouteau location.
The takeaway
Customers interested in watching the kitchen staff prepare dumplings by hand will be able to view the process from the dining area. The expansion reflects a growing local demand for specialized, high-production dumpling concepts.
Further reading
For more on new businesses in the region, visit the St. Louis Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St. Louis Magazine.
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