Community News

Zen Hen to serve Buddha bowls, rotisserie chicken

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 3, 2020

Zen Hen Cafe, a new restaurant serving "Buddha bowls" and rotisserie chicken, is opening in the old Subway space at 1794 Asheville Highway.

Restaurant owner Randy Dunn, most recently the executive chef of the Roux restaurant in the Hilton at Biltmore Park, plans to offer the Buddha bowls with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables served from a counter, similar to a Subway set up, said Dennis Dunlap, the contractor who is doing a $50,000 renovation of the property.

Dunn, who did not immeidately respond to a message seeking an interview, has been an executive chef since 2004, according to his Linked In page. He lives in Hendersonville.

On the Zen Hen website, Dunn describes the fare as "real food, right now." On the highway sign outside, he promises on one side that "you'll cross the road" for the chicken and on the other that "We can't wait to bowl you over."

Subway closed its Asheville Highway location last year. Crest Investment Properties bought the property for $320,000 in April. The one-third acre parcel and 1,768-square-foot building are valued on the tax roll at $410,100.