Imagine the hysteria when the first McDonald’s or KFC opened in China decades ago, or the frenzy when a new Krispy Kreme opens in a new city. Well get ready, because Little Sheep Hotpot is about to open in Flushing, Queens.
Little Sheep Hotpot Flushing, coming soon.
Ok, maybe IÂ exaggerate, but for me this is a huge deal.
Little Sheep, for those who are not familiar, is the most prominent chain restaurant in China. Founded in 1999, it’s since expanded to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Canada, and the West Coast of the United States. Last year, it was acquired by Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut) for over $500 million. During my recent trip to Cupertino, I went to Little Sheep for lunch, and found the place packed with people wearing Apple badges on their neck and belt. It’s quite popular.
Little sheep hotpot from Cupertino.
I hope everything's as neat and fresh as Cali.
Now they’re finally coming to the East Coast. New York hot pot lovers rejoice!
Interestingly, for the past decade or so there’s been a knock-off restaurant on Main Street, with the same logo and same Chinese name. Earlier this year they finally changed their name and logo. Feeling threatened by Yum! Brand’s corporate lawyers? Who knows.
For more information, check out their website here: http://www.littlesheephotpot.com
any relation to Little Lamb hot pot also in Flushing?
I do not believe so. I firmly believe the one on Main Street is a knock-off. The timing of their name/logo change coincided with Yum Brand’s takeover of the chain.
I guess people will finally know now.
Having lived in China for almost 2 years (Shenzhen and Shanghai) I am very familiar with Little Sheep. I’m assuming the menus are basically the same here as they are there. Very typical style of hotpot in china, but done in a cleaner, more comfortable environment with fresh, high quality ingredients. The real fun is in the oily, red, “ma la” broth while the milder herbal broth misses the point of the experience.
Try the sesame bread (great for dunking), lamb wontons (they look like tortellini), and hand pulled noodles to finish.
Exciting news!
You have the wrong web address for Little Sheep. I get a warning on my computer that littlesheep.com contains malware. Littlesheephotpot.com is the correct address.
Thanks for the notice. I think their China HQ website is packed with problems. You’re right, the US subsidiary site is better. Thanks.
Can’t WAIT!! The San Diego location that I’ve visited was amazing!