Make Way for Dumplings! We are opening a Dumpling Factory, Cafe and Classroom
Our dumpling factory dreams are becoming a reality with our new headquarters opening this January at Iron Works in South Boston!
Grand Opening January 21, 2023. Sign-up to get opening event invitation details.
In-person public and private Dumpling Classes classes are available to book now for 2023 dates.
We are saying farewell to our location at 506 Park Drive and moving to a bigger space so we can make even more dumplings! Our new HQ will allow us to expand into wholesale dumpling distribution, open a classroom for in-person cooking classes, and add a cafe with a menu that takes you back to our roots as a food truck and will serve hot dumplings, and bring menu classics like the beloved Double Awesome.
In the last two and a half years, the Mei Mei team has been hard at work pivoting to a new business model and management structure.
James Beard Award-winning chef Irene Li has partnered with Babson MBA alumni Alyssa Lee and Annie Campbell to grow the Mei Mei brand into a consumer packaged dumpling company. “Prior to Covid, Mei Mei was planning to open even more restaurants,” Li explained. “Then in April 2020, we undertook emergency food distribution and grocery delivery for front line workers, doubling down on virtual cooking classes and meal kits. I thought maybe we would never be a restaurant again. But we always knew we needed to keep moving - food and the connections built around it remain central to our identity.”
Our new home is Iron Works South Boston at 58 Old Colony Ave.
“We’re creating a dumpling factory with a brewery vibe.” says partner Alyssa Lee, “This is a space where you can take a factory tour to see how our dumplings are made, enjoy snacks at the cafe, and take a cooking class with friends and family.” The new location will also allow Mei Mei Dumplings to scale production and grow wholesale distribution to supply grocers, institutions, and restaurants. To design the new facility, Mei Mei collaborated with MassSave, OTJ Architects, WB Engineers, and Boston Showcase Company to create an all-electric, gas-free facility that minimizes the business’ carbon footprint. Construction of the facility is headed by AmConCorp, a woman-owned family business based in Peabody, MA.
To support the opening of our factory, cafe and classroom, we launched a campaign with food and beverage crowdfunding platform NuMarket to raise $188k in 30 days. You can contribute and redeem credits for 120% of the value! Pick up packaged dumplings at 506 Park Drive until we move to Southie or Boston area farmer’s markets, then you will be able to order food and drink at the factory once our cafe opens. And you'll also be able to use your credits online for exclusive swag, cookbooks, to purchase in-person or virtual cooking classes, buy gift cards for the holidays, and order dumplings with limited national shipping available. Stay tuned for updates and we’ll let you know when our NuMarket campaign is live!
“Our incredible fans funded the purchase of our dumpling making-machine in 2021,” said partner Annie Campbell. “Their support allowed us to expand to farmer’s markets all over Massachusetts. We’re so excited to take this business to the next level with their continued support. The contributions from this campaign will allow us to grow and bring back favorite dishes we know Mei Mei lovers have been missing over the last few years. We’re proud to be joining the influx of new businesses to South Boston and hope our community will be a part of making our new flagship home a reality.”
Thank you for all the love over the last 10 years - we can’t wait to welcome you to the new Mei Mei!!
Construction Progress
