A longtime Asian-owned restaurant in Tempe is celebrating an important milestone after serving the community for half a century. Little Szechuan, which originally opened as the Szechuan Inn in 1976, is marking 50 years in business while continuing to bring together generations of customers through its food, atmosphere, and family-owned approach.
The restaurant is operated by Ted and Swanie Lim, who have spent decades building relationships with customers and becoming a familiar part of the Tempe community. Their business is located near University Drive and Farmer Avenue, an area that has changed dramatically over the years as Tempe has continued growing around Arizona State University and Downtown Tempe.
Although the restaurant changed locations at one point during its long history, support from the surrounding community never disappeared. Customers have continued returning to Little Szechuan for years, helping the restaurant survive changing trends, economic shifts, competition, and major growth throughout the Valley.
ABC15 reported that the restaurant’s longevity is tied not only to its food but also to the welcoming environment created by the owners. Over the years, many customers have become regulars, while newer generations continue discovering the business through word-of-mouth and community recommendations.
In February 2026, Little Szechuan received special recognition for reaching its 50-year anniversary milestone. According to the report, the restaurant was honored by the City of Tempe, the State of Arizona, and an Arizona congressman in recognition of its decades of service and impact on the local community.
The celebration also comes during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which highlights the contributions and cultural influence of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities throughout Arizona and the United States. ABC15 featured the restaurant as part of its recognition of AAPI Heritage Month celebrations.
Ted and Swanie Lim spoke with ABC15 about what they have learned while operating a Chinese restaurant for 50 years and reflected on how much both Tempe and the restaurant industry have changed over the decades. The couple discussed their experiences running a small business and maintaining strong ties with customers throughout multiple generations.
The story also highlighted how family-owned businesses like Little Szechuan continue playing an important role in preserving cultural traditions and strengthening neighborhood identity in Tempe. Longstanding restaurants often become gathering places where residents celebrate milestones, meet with friends and family, and create lasting memories tied to the community.
Tempe itself has experienced major growth since Little Szechuan first opened in the 1970s. Areas surrounding Arizona State University and downtown have transformed with new development, expanded housing, increased tourism, and changing demographics. Despite those changes, Little Szechuan has remained a consistent presence within the city.
ABC15’s coverage emphasized that the restaurant’s success reflects both resilience and community loyalty. While many independent restaurants struggle to survive for even a few years, Little Szechuan has remained operational for five decades because of the dedication of its owners and continued support from customers.
The report also highlighted the importance of recognizing Asian-owned businesses during AAPI Heritage Month, especially businesses that helped shape local communities long before the area experienced major modern growth.
Little Szechuan now stands as one of Tempe’s longtime independent restaurants and a symbol of the lasting impact family-owned businesses can have on a city over multiple generations.
