Peter Chang in College Park closes after less than a year in business

Peter Chang’s namesake restaurants across the capital region have showcased complex, regional dishes from his native China that are often fueled by tingling Sichuan peppercorns.

But after less than a year of operations, Peter Chang Kitchen & Bar in College Park announced Monday that it was closed effective that day, according to a post on the business’s Instagram account.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce, that unfortunately, due to increasingly rising high cost of this location, combined with other factors, we have no choice but to close down this location,” the post reads.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused, and hope to see you at other Peter Chang locations soon. Thank you so much for the past ten months, and it has been a pleasure serving this community.”

The same message was affixed to the door of the shuttered restaurant at 8503 Baltimore Ave. on Tuesday morning. Many of the tables and chairs were still set for service. But all the signs and indicators advertising Peter Chang and his brand of cooking had been taken down.

Lydia Chang, Peter’s daughter who oversees business operations for her family’s restaurant empire, did not respond to requests for comment from The Banner.

The Changs have been aggressive in opening branches in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including an Annapolis outpost that opened in February.

The once-elusive Peter Chang has been honored as a James Beard Award finalist, and his D.C. restaurant, Chang Chang, has been recognized on the Michelin Guide.

The College Park closure comes at a time when businesses along the stretch of Baltimore Avenue near the University of Maryland campus are facing challenges from nearby construction and development.

Online commenters have noted the difficulties facing other restaurants in Peter Chang’s former home. Remnants of the decor from MeatUp Korean BBQ, which opened in September 2023 and occupied the location before Peter Chang, were visible along the front windows on Tuesday.

The acclaimed Northwest Chinese Food closed in March at its Baltimore Avenue home — and is expected to reopen at a new address in July — because an apartment complex is scheduled to be built on the site.

Prince George’s County officials have also been trying to address community concerns about the lack of sit-down restaurants. In April, some County Council members introduced bills that they hope will encourage development from national and local restaurateurs.

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