China Coast

China Coast was a casual dining restaurant specializing in Chinese food. Founded in 1990 in Orlando, Florida, the company began a rapid and ill-fated national expansion in 1993, ultimately resulting in its demise. At the time of its closing in 1995, China Coast operated 51 locations in the United States.

Target markets

Restaurants were typically located in mall outparcels. Unfortunately for the chain, China Coast attempted to enter markets that were saturated with well-established family-owned Chinese restaurants that offered comparable food and service at lower prices. Operational issues stemming from the rapid expansion attempt ultimately made it difficult for China Coast to compete with the market incumbents.

Food

China Coast restaurants served moderately-priced American Chinese cuisine. Dishes included moo goo gai pan, pork lo mein, beef & broccoli, and sweet and sour pork. A lunch buffet was eventually dropped in favor of complimentary appetizers that included egg rolls, its proprietary China Coast bread, marinated vegetables, and crispy noodles. The appetizers accompanied all entrees in a similar fashion to the signature appetizers at sister chains Red Lobster and Olive Garden.

Ownership

China Coast was founded by General Mills, which ultimately spun the chain and sisters Red Lobster and Olive Garden to Darden Restaurants, Inc. in 1995 under the name Darden Restaurants.