New Bedford Welcomes Royal T to Former Chuck’s China Inn

I was elated when I heard New Bedford's former Chuck's China Inn at 1856 Acushnet Avenue had a new lease on life.

Chuck's was a magical place from childhood, and I never quite got over its closing. Chuck's was a landmark in the North End of New Bedford, as I wrote in a historical piece in January 2024.

After Chuck's China Inn closed in 2020, Boramy Green and Kerrie Gomes opened Krave Restaurant and Bar featuring Asian-infused dishes; but 2020 also brought the COVID-19 pandemic and misery for many business owners. Krave was gone by 2023.

Fast forward to 2024. The pandemic is out of here and something new is brewing at the old Chuck's location – literally and figuratively.

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Royal T, featuring "Coffee Tea & Bites," opened with little fanfare on July 28, 2024, but is looking to make a big splash on the Avenue.

Business partners Ashley and Barbara met while traveling with mutual friends several years ago. The pair became fast friends. That friendship led to this collaboration.

"We were going to partner up with a bubble tea and Lebanese food truck," Ashley said. "When we saw this place for lease we decided to take a leap and do a brick & mortar."

"My grandmother had these (Lebanese) recipes and I really wanted to bring them to life," Ashley said. "We wanted to provide a place where you can come have bubble tea or coffee and a bite to eat with friends."

The pair plans to expand with breakfast items like egg sandwiches, homemade muffins, and avocado toast and will add wraps, soups and pasta salads for lunch.

Ashley and Barbara plan to keep the 2,000-pound, hand-carved golden mahogany dragon from Hong Kong suspended from the ceiling in the "Dragon Room."

"That's our favorite part," Ashley said.

Once the liquor license is transferred the pair plans to offer expresso martini flights, tea parties, open mic nights and more in the Dragon Room.

"Our goal is to bring something new to the North End and share our passions with everyone," Ashley said.

It sounds to me like they've nailed it.