Shirley Chung Opens Night Rooster, Her Texas Comeback Restaurant

The former Top Chef contestant and "Dumpling Queen" debuts her new Chinese restaurant in Dallas' Design District after battling tongue cancer.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:39pm

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Renowned chef Shirley Chung has opened her new restaurant Night Rooster in Dallas' Design District, marking her professional comeback after battling tongue cancer. Chung, known for her appearances on Top Chef and work with acclaimed chefs like José Andrés, closed her Los Angeles restaurant Ms. Chai Cafe in 2024 following her cancer diagnosis. With her cancer now in remission, Night Rooster represents Chung's return to the kitchen, though she has had to adapt some of her cooking techniques due to the effects of her radiation treatments.

Why it matters

Chung's move to Dallas and the opening of Night Rooster represents a significant milestone in her career, as she not only overcomes a major health challenge but also expands her culinary footprint beyond her Los Angeles base. The restaurant's debut also highlights the growing prominence of Dallas' dining scene, as it attracts renowned chefs like Chung to open new concepts in the city.

The details

Night Rooster, which opens on January 31, 2026, is a Chinese restaurant located in Dallas' Design District, with an Italian steakhouse called The Saint just upstairs. Chung's connection to the project goes back nearly two decades, when she worked with Night Rooster co-founder Andy Hooper at Mario Batali's CarneVino restaurant in Las Vegas. The two have long joked about opening a Chinese restaurant together, and the timing finally felt right when Hooper reached out to Chung in 2025 as she was announcing her return to work following cancer treatment. Chung has had to adapt some of her cooking techniques due to the effects of her radiation therapy, which has weakened her jawbones and reduced her saliva production. She now favors lighter, flakier textures over super-crunchy dishes, and has incorporated more sauces and gravies to help with swallowing. However, she remains committed to showcasing high-quality local ingredients, including Texas wagyu beef, citrus, and redfish.

  • Night Rooster was originally slated to open in 2023, but was delayed by various permitting and inspection issues.
  • Chung announced she was in cancer remission and returning to work in 2025.
  • Night Rooster officially opens on January 31, 2026.

The players

Shirley Chung

A renowned chef known for her appearances on Top Chef and work with acclaimed chefs like José Andrés, Chung is the owner and executive chef of the new Night Rooster restaurant in Dallas.

Andy Hooper

The co-founder of Night Rooster and Hooper Hospitality, Hooper first met Chung nearly 20 years ago when they worked together at Mario Batali's CarneVino restaurant in Las Vegas.

Jenn Hooper

Andy Hooper's wife and business partner, who suggested he reach out to Chung about joining the Night Rooster project.

Tiffany Derry

A fellow Top Chef alum and friend of Chung's, who has been encouraging Chung to open a restaurant in Dallas.

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What they’re saying

“I have to relearn how to speak, how to swallow, and using my palate again.”

— Shirley Chung, Chef and Owner, Night Rooster

“It felt like all the signs were aligning.”

— Shirley Chung, Chef and Owner, Night Rooster

“Before, I loved everything super crunchy and crispy, but now it needs to be light and flaky versus super crunchy.”

— Shirley Chung, Chef and Owner, Night Rooster

What’s next

Chung plans to be a regular presence at Night Rooster, committing to visit the restaurant in Dallas at least once a month.

The takeaway

Shirley Chung's return to the kitchen with the opening of Night Rooster in Dallas represents a remarkable comeback story, as the renowned chef overcomes a cancer diagnosis to launch an exciting new restaurant that showcases her culinary talents and adaptability in the face of health challenges.