The Unlikely Legend: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Chan's Egg Rolls And Jazz (Still For Sale In 2025?)
The convergence of world-class jazz and Chinese-American comfort food at Chan's Egg Rolls and Jazz is one of the most improbable and enduring stories in American music history. This Woonsocket, Rhode Island, institution has defied all expectations for nearly five decades, hosting legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Leon Redbone in a venue as famous for its crispy egg rolls as its cutting-edge blues and jazz performances. As of December 2025, the club is still operational and celebrating a monumental anniversary, but its future remains uncertain, making its current status a hot topic for music and culinary enthusiasts alike.
The venue, officially known as Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, has a history stretching back over 120 years, predating its musical fame by decades. It represents a unique cultural landmark, a testament to the passionate vision of its owner, John Chan, who transformed a family restaurant into a nationally recognized shrine for live music. The latest news, however, centers on a significant transition: the legendary club is currently on the market, sparking curiosity about who—or what—will carry the "Egg Rolls and Jazz" torch into the next era.
The Culinary and Cultural Architect: The Biography of Chan's
Chan's Egg Rolls and Jazz is more than just a venue; it is the lifelong project of its charismatic owner, John Chan. His personal story is inextricably linked to the club's identity, merging a deep family history in Rhode Island's Chinese-American community with an unwavering passion for the blues and jazz genres.
- Full Name: John Chan
- Role: Owner, Booker, and Host of Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, Jazz & Blues
- Family History: The restaurant was founded by his extended family in 1905 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, originally operating as the New Shanghai Restaurant. John's father, Ben Chan, later owned the establishment.
- Musical Vision: John Chan officially added live music to the menu in 1977, transforming the dining room into a premier jazz and blues club.
- Iconic Look: He is instantly recognizable by his distinctive, often-mentioned Salvador Dali-style mustache.
- Accolades: In 2022, John Chan was inducted into the Rhode Island Historical Society, recognizing his profound contribution to the state's cultural and culinary scene with his "Eggrolls and Jazz" legacy.
- Current Status (2025): Despite putting the business up for sale, John Chan continues to operate the club, hosting shows and maintaining its status as a live music destination.
1. The Shocking History: From 1905 Chop Suey to 1977 Blues Mecca
The most surprising fact about Chan's is its incredible longevity, which far surpasses its history as a music venue. The restaurant has been a continuous operation in the Chan family for over 120 years.
The original establishment, the New Shanghai Restaurant, opened its doors in 1905, serving traditional Chinese-American cuisine to the Woonsocket community. It wasn't until John Chan, a jazz aficionado, returned from a trip and was inspired by the local music scene that the shift occurred. The decision to integrate world-class music into a Chinese restaurant's dining room in 1977 was a bold, almost absurd, business move that paid off, creating a legendary, intimate space where performers and patrons mingle over plates of Chow Mein.
The first artist to perform on the now-famous stage was jazz vocalist Jean McKenna O'Donnell, the sister of jazz pianist Dave McKenna, establishing the club's deep roots in the New England jazz community from day one. This blend of heritage and harmony is what gives Chan's its unique, almost magical, topical authority in the music world.
2. The Unlikely A-List Performers Who Played for Egg Rolls
The intimate stage at Chan's Egg Rolls and Jazz has hosted an astonishing roster of musical entities, transforming the small Woonsocket location into a mandatory stop for touring musicians. The club’s reputation for having a pure, audience-focused atmosphere attracted legends who often played the room for little more than the love of the music and John Chan's hospitality.
The list of world-class acts who have graced the stage is a testament to the club's singular importance in the jazz and blues circuits. These performers often played multiple, memorable sets over the years, contributing to the club’s rich history and topical authority:
- Dizzy Gillespie: The legendary jazz trumpeter and bebop pioneer.
- Leon Redbone: The influential Canadian-American singer-songwriter.
- Livingston Taylor: The acclaimed folk/pop singer and songwriter.
- Ronnie Earl: The celebrated blues guitar whiz, who has treated Chan's as a second home, playing multiple times a year.
- Tab Benoit: The Grammy-nominated blues guitarist and musician.
- The Fabulous Thunderbirds: The iconic American blues rock band.
- Roomful of Blues: The long-running American blues and swing revival band.
- Duke Robillard: The guitarist and co-founder of Roomful of Blues.
- Maria Muldaur: The American folk and blues singer.
- Etta James: The iconic American singer of blues, soul, R&B, rock and roll, and gospel.
- Jean McKenna O'Donnell: The first artist to perform at Chan's in 1977.
- Dave McKenna: The renowned jazz pianist.
3. The Famous Egg Rolls: What Makes the Food a Legend?
The other half of the club's famous moniker is its food, specifically the legendary egg rolls. While the music is world-class, the menu is a celebration of classic, comforting Chinese-American cuisine, a perfect counterpoint to the sophisticated sounds on stage.
The menu items, which have remained largely unchanged for decades, are a nostalgic journey through a classic Asian-American dining experience. Patrons often enjoy the music while indulging in a full dinner, which is part of the unique appeal. The famous egg rolls are often described as crispy, savory, and a quintessential example of the dish, becoming a culinary entity in their own right.
Key menu entities and LSI keywords include:
- The Legendary Egg Rolls: The signature appetizer that defines the venue.
- Chow Mein and Chop Suey: Classic, traditional favorites that anchor the dining experience.
- Egg Foo Yong: The Chinese omelet dish, a staple of the menu.
- Fried Rice: A popular side dish and traditional favorite.
- Sweet and Sour Dishes: Another category of comforting, traditional Chinese-American fare.
- Cantonese and Szechuan Specialties: The menu offers a variety of regional Chinese-American dishes.
4. The Uncertain Future: Is Chan's Still For Sale in 2025?
The most pressing question for fans of Chan's is its current status. Despite celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2025, the business has been listed for sale.
John Chan announced the sale a few years ago, citing a desire to retire and find a worthy successor to continue the venue's unique legacy. However, as of late 2025, the club remains operational and is still actively listed on business real estate sites. This situation creates a fascinating tension: the venue is thriving, hosting shows and maintaining its cultural significance, all while its future ownership hangs in the balance.
The sale is not just about a building; it includes the business, the history, and the goodwill John Chan has built over five decades. The hope among the music community is that any new owner will respect and continue the tradition of "Egg Rolls, Jazz & Blues," preserving this unique Rhode Island landmark for future generations of music lovers and food enthusiasts.
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