DIM SUM AND BELLY LAUGHS
Bryan Li ’08 Serves Up Hong Kong Flavors With A Side of Comedy
Written By: Jennifer Matz
Photos By: Ryan Honeyman
Bryan Li ’08 has been shaking up Charlotte’s food and entertainment scenes with dual passions: delicious Hong Kong-inspired cuisine and unscripted comedy. Li’s journey is one of creativity, connection and bringing people together through two very different, yet equally impactful, ventures.
Open Rice: A Taste of Hong Kong
In 2019, Bryan Li and his business partners, Charle Au and Jason Cheung, launched Open Rice, a Hong Kong-inspired restaurant that quickly became a go-to spot for locals craving Asian flavors with a modern twist. Drawing on culinary traditions from their native culture, Li and partners offer an expansive menu that spans multiple Asian cuisines, from roast duck basted to perfection to the crowd-pleasing bubble waffles that went viral shortly after opening.
A crowd favorite: Hong Kong Style Roasted Duck.
Red Snapper steamed (or fried) with ginger, scallions and bok choy.
Curry Chicken Rice Soup with yellow curry, potatoes, carrots, scallions and cilantro.
Salt & Pepper Shrimp with flash fried jumbo shrimp onions, bell peppers, scallions and fried shallots served on a bed of lettuce.
Cast Iron Kimchi Fried Rice with char siu, bacon, corn, carrots, peas and bell peppers served in a cast iron skillet with eggs & cheese.
Tonkotsu Ramen with pork bone broth, char siu, bean sprouts, scallion and soft boiled egg.
“Open Rice” is a phrase that loosely translates to “Time to eat!” in Cantonese, and that’s exactly the vibe Li and his team have created — a warm, inviting place where food becomes an experience. Located in Charlotte’s Blakeney and Midtown areas, Open Rice boasts a menu packed with traditional dishes and unexpected flavors, like the cast iron fried rice featuring a surprise ingredient: cheese. Li credits his time at UNC Charlotte and his experience working in local restaurants with inspiring him to offer something fresh to Charlotte’s growing food scene.
The viral Party Animal Bubble Waffle with mini marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate frosted flakes, chocolate and caramel drizzle , with vanilla ice cream.
“As Charlotte continues to grow, people are looking for something different. We’re here to bring those authentic flavors of Hong Kong, but also to add a twist that keeps things exciting.”
-Bryan Li ’08
From Boba and Thai tea to whole steamed Branzino and tom yum seafood soup, Open Rice delivers a fusion of cuisines that delights adventurous palates. With an array of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, the restaurant ensures there’s something for everyone. The sleek, urban aesthetic adds to the modern vibe that draws in locals for both casual lunches and celebratory dinners. With its welcoming atmosphere and food that’s both innovative and rooted in tradition, Open Rice has quickly become a staple in the Queen City.
Perhaps worth getting most excited about, Dim Sum is available every day, with the real showstopper on weekends with their traditional pushcart service. On Saturdays and Sundays, carts weave through the dining room, offering freshly prepared small plates like dumplings, buns and other savory and sweet bites. It’s not a mere meal—it’s a lively and fun experience that encourages sharing and new flavors. This authentic Dim Sum tradition brings the social dining experience to life, making weekends the busiest and most vibrant days at the restaurant.
A delightful assortment of traditional dim sum, featuring bite-sized savory and sweet dishes. From steamed buns to dumplings, these handcrafted treats offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, showcasing the artistry of Cantonese cuisine.
Shameless Improv: Laughter on the Side
As if running a successful restaurant wasn’t enough, Li found another way to engage with the community — through improv. Just a year and a half ago, Li co-founded Shameless Improv Society, an unscripted comedy group, alongside Tony Galardi. What started as a creative outlet for Li has grown into a popular performance troupe that brings 90 minutes of laughter to venues across Charlotte.
The Shameless Team from left to right Tony Gilardi, Djovan Henriques, Nicole Kerbs, Joy Surles, Bryan Li '08 and Tim Edwards and (not pictured) Carol Tyner '11
“Improv is about being in the moment, trusting your team, and just having fun,” says Li. Shameless’ performances take place in local coffee shops, breweries and community hubs like Giddy Goat and Lenny Boy Brewing, where the group has built a loyal following. Audience members are part of the action, often providing suggestions that inspire off-the-cuff skits and scenes that keep the room laughing.
Though improv and restaurant management might seem worlds apart, Li sees parallels in both. “Improv has taught me how to listen, collaborate and trust my team — skills that translate directly to running a restaurant,” he says. “Whether it’s in the kitchen or on stage, success comes from everyone working together.”
The art of improv has been so pivotal to Li’s career that he felt compelled to share it with others. Drawing from his experience leading the team at Open Rice, where he helps people shine by recognizing their strengths, Li created the "Improv for Life Skills" class with SkillPop. The $20, two-hour class provides participants with tools to become better listeners, feel more comfortable in any situation and build confidence. “It gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to really listen and trust yourself,” Li explained. For him, both improv and leadership rely on the same principle: knowing that you’ve got someone’s back and they’ve got yours.
“Improv gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to really listen and trust yourself.”
-Bryan Li ’08
Serving Up Flavor and Creativity in the Queen City
Li’s approach to improv — rooted in selflessness and collaboration—mirrors his leadership style at Open Rice. His belief in trusting others and putting the team first has helped both ventures thrive, whether in the kitchen or on stage. His journey from UNC Charlotte to becoming a key figure in Charlotte’s food and entertainment scenes reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.
At Open Rice, he brings a taste of Hong Kong to the Queen City, while Shameless Improv gives audiences a space to laugh, connect, and escape. Whether savoring bubble waffles or enjoying a night of improv, Li’s passion for his craft and his community is evident in everything he does. His story is one of teamwork, creativity, and a deep love for the city he now proudly calls home.
Li overlooking his Open Rice restaurant in Midtown, where tradition meets modern flair.
KEEP UP WITH OPEN RICE AND SHAMELESS IMPROV:
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