EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Food lovers in a Metro East community were surprised and disappointed Monday when they learned two popular, locally-owned restaurants would be closing their doors for good.
Wang Gang, a Pan-Asian restaurant that opened back in 2009, and Chappy’s Fried Chicken next door both shuttered Monday. Owner Ryan O’Day tells FOX 2 that inflation and big changes in consumer tendencies following the COVID-19 pandemic played a big role in his decision.
“The lunchtime crowd basically disintegrated by 50 percent. Happy Hour has disintegrated, because you work from home and you’re not going to get out of your pajamas—you’ve got a routine now,” O’Day explained. “It’s COVID, and it’s definitely the residual effects of COVID.”
O’Day, who was indicted by a Madison County Grand Jury last August for sales tax evasion and other charges, calls the situation an honest mistake and blames an accounting error. He tells FOX 2 it did not play a role in his decision to close the two restaurants and said it’s something he’s been weighing for the past six months or so.
Locals said they were surprised and saddened to see the two popular spots go. Renee Magee works close by.
“That’s kind of a bummer,” Magee said. “They’re really nice people, their food has really been good.”
Bilal Aziz said Wang Gang, in particular, was a local staple.
“Wang Gang has been around for such a long time; it’s been a pretty great restaurant,” Aziz said. “I know a lot of people who love it. So, I’m kind of shocked to hear that happen.”
O’Day said he’s extremely grateful to his employees, both past and present, and to the community for their years of support.
“The Edwardsville community, without a doubt, has been tremendous to us,” he said. “We had customers that met on their first date here on a blind date. They’ve (since) gotten married and had two kids, and they tell the story. It’s great, right?”
O’Day plans to stay involved with charitable efforts in the community going forward.
