The word pedigree  pops up on the Room 112 webpage. It is the one Andy and Adrian Chen use to describe their modern Asian cuisine and sushi restaurant. Pedigree blends together the Chens’ philosophy of an excellent dining experience, knowledge of the Charlotte palette, and style in food.

Room 112 invites Tryon Plaza business owners to unwind after and during a hard day’s work.

“I think it serves as a spot for people to escape to other than their break room,” said co-owner, Adrian Chen.

The Chens understand the importance of location.   When the husband and wife team chose their location in 2009,  Adrian said there were many considerations taken into account.

“The location of the restaurant dictates the concept you have [for a restaurant],” Adrian said.

Room 112 has developed a reputation as the slightly hidden hot spot for occupants who know great food. For customers, the Chens offer a weekly variety of food. Their sushi explodes in flavor and art over competition. The Chens have perfected their sushi by getting to know the Southern palette.

“I wanted us to be the mashed potatoes and grits of the sushi world here in Charlotte,” Adrian said. “My sushi is definitely hearty, and I have to say it caters more to the Southern palette.”

Adrian Chen’s concept of trends in food comes from hiring the best and most talented sushi chefs. Two chefs now on staff have worked at the best sushi spots in Charlotte.

“We keep up with trends,” Adrian said. “I’m more of a Chinese CoCo Channel when it comes to food.”

CoCo Channel worked with her designers to perfect her product lines.

Adrian works with her sushi chefs to keep up the delicious factor and style in her sushi rolls. If business owners want something different than what is on the menu, the Chens and the team of chefs provide rolls not listed. Customers are encouraged to ask for the newest sushi rolls.

Charlotte has changed since both Adrian and Andy’s childhood when their families ran Chinese restaurants.

After more than 20 years, the Chens are still in love with the restaurant business, and have fallen for the Trade and Tryon location. Room 112 is responsible for assisting in the creation of the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant. The building’s architecture provides something beautiful for everyone, and the site gives the Chens and their customers prime access to Charlotte.

The Chens discover community inside Room 112 and at Tryon Plaza. When Adrian walks around the restaurant she observes customers’ smiles and nods after their first bite. As a convenience, she is willing to provide ice or restaurant materials to those same owners at Tryon Plaza when they entertain clients in the building’s conference center.

Wait staff is encouraged to smile, relax, and assist occupants in unwinding through excellent customer service. Most of the Chens’ staff has worked with them for years. The Chens understand long term relationships as much as excellent food. Room 112 staff wants owners to return again and again.

— By Rebecca T. Dickinson