There’s Something New at Su’s

Su’s Garden Chinese Restaurant is going through a “something old, something new” phase after more than four decades of serving diners. 

The Bald Eagle Drive eatery is now owned and operated by married couple Joe Selerat and Kathy Chitchop. The Marco Island residents purchased it in July from former long-time owner Jean Foley, who has retired. While much will remain the same, the couple is also planning some big changes at the restaurant. 

Some of those alterations will be physical: a new layout and updated paint and decorations, a style that imparts a modern “Chinese bistro” feel, explained Chitchop. Other changes will be reflected on the menu, where the most popular items will be retained, but there’ll also be a significant number of new additions. 

One is the addition of an item Selerat and Chitchop know well: sushi. They opened their Thai Sushi by KJ (Kathy and Joe) eatery on Marco Island six years ago, which also offers Japanese faire. They later opening KJ Sushi and Asian Bistro on 5th Ave. South in downtown Naples. Prior to striking out on their own, he was general manager at Sushi Thai Downtown on 5th Ave. South in Naples for 14 years, and she was a was a bartender there for eight years. 

New ownership, refreshed surroundings and new offerings will be also accompanied by a new name: KJ Chinese Bistro and Sushi. 

 “Mrs. Su” opened her namesake restaurant in 1982. After 30 years at the helm, she sold it to Foley, who, 11 years later, sold it to Chitchop and Selerat. 

Chitchop said she and her husband made the purchase because the island didn’t have any other Chinese restaurants dedicated to sit-down dining. 

“Su did it for a long time,” she added. “And she did a good job with her restaurant. It was popular, too. It’s a challenge for us, but we said, okay, we can try and do it.”

Su’s Garden Chinese Restaurant is located at 537 Bald Eagle Drive. For more information, visit susgarden.com or call 394-4666.