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Chuan and Anna Tsay Buy Downtown Raleigh Restaurant

The couple acquired the Moore Square eatery from original co-founder Vanvisa Nolintha.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector editorial illustration of a dining table with a wooden high chair, representing a family-friendly restaurant transition.
Chuan and Anna Tsay have acquired Bida Manda in downtown Raleigh, with plans to transition the restaurant toward a family-oriented dining atmosphere. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chuan and Anna Tsay have assumed control of Bida Manda, a downtown Raleigh restaurant located on Moore Square. The acquisition, valued at seven figures including debt, follows co-founder Vanvisa Nolintha's decision to hand over stewardship while living in Laos.

Why it matters

The change in ownership marks a new chapter for the establishment, which has operated since 2012. The new owners plan to adjust the restaurant's atmosphere to focus more on families and children moving forward.

Bida Manda has been in business for 14 years since opening in 2012. The total sale price for the restaurant operation reached seven figures when including previous debt.

The players

Chuan Tsay

Chuan Tsay is the new co-owner of the Raleigh restaurant Bida Manda.

Anna Tsay

Anna Tsay is the new co-owner who acquired the downtown dining establishment alongside her husband.

Vanvisa Nolintha

Vanvisa Nolintha is the co-founder of Bida Manda who sought a new steward for the business while living in Laos.

Vansana Nolintha

Vansana Nolintha was a co-founder of Bida Manda who divested from the restaurant in 2020 following allegations of sexual harassment.

The details

Chuan Tsay secured the deal for the Moore Square restaurant after a brief five-minute phone call with co-founder Vanvisa Nolintha. Following the transition in October 2026, the owners are looking ahead to a refresh of both the building and the menu for early 2027.

Timeline

  1. Bida Manda opened in downtown Raleigh in 2012.

  2. Co-founder Vansana Nolintha divested from the restaurant in 2020.

  3. Authorities arrested 35 people on drug charges in Moore Square in August 2026.

  4. Chuan and Anna Tsay assumed control of the restaurant in October 2026.

  5. The new owners expect to implement building and menu changes in early 2027.

Culture Shift

The transition of this flagship restaurant follows a period of heightened scrutiny regarding the safety of the surrounding Moore Square area. This move signals a push to revitalize the district's social appeal following recent public safety concerns in the park.

Patrons can expect a shift in the dining environment as the new owners aim to increase the presence of families and children at the location. Residents should look for updates on building improvements that will likely alter the current physical storefront by early 2027.

The takeaway

The acquisition by the Tsays signals a transition from the legacy of the original founders to a new vision for the downtown space. Diners should monitor local announcements as the owners prepare to implement family-friendly changes in the coming months.

What happens next

The new ownership team is scheduled to debut a menu refresh and building improvements in early 2027.

Further reading

For more information on the local culinary landscape, visit Raleigh Dining Out.

Live Poll

Do you trust new owners to restore the reputation of a restaurant involved in past scandals?