"When we arrived, I expected a small, hole-in-the-wall type of place, and that’s exactly what we found—even with a slot machine in the back! It was bustling with customers grabbing everything from cigarettes to chips, and they even served American food like hamburgers and fries. From the outside, it looked a bit run-down, but I was all in!
Inside, there were just two white folding tables set up in the middle of this little market, and I knew we were in the right spot. I asked the young man at the checkout if they were still serving food; it was only 15 minutes before closing. Thankfully, he said yes! I decided to go with sweet and sour chicken and crab rangoons—always a safe and satisfying choice. Just two minutes later, I heard the fryer starting up in the back. Awesome! Cooked to order.
In my quest for rooster sauce, which I’ve been trying to find ever since the factory stopped making it over a year ago, I asked if they had any available. The young man didn’t know what I meant, but then a family member came out with a big jar, knowing exactly what I was after. Those who know, know! When I mentioned that they no longer sell it, he was surprised. They ended up giving me a to-go cup filled with the sauce—what a nice gesture! It would be perfect for the corned beef hash Filipino style that I planned to make for my Friday meal.
The food came out piping hot! Just a heads up, this is American Chinese food, not the kind you might find in mainland China, which I don’t think my partner would be into—unless it’s duck! We received exactly what we wanted: hot, fresh, family-owned market-style food. They were closing just minutes after we were served at 9 PM, and the young man kindly let us know we could stay and eat, even after closing time. I really appreciated that and left him a tip for his hospitality.
This will definitely become our regular spot for laundry night in Cornelia, and we’re drawn to the off-the-beaten-path locations—it feels like an adventure! I highly recommend A to Z Grocery and Chinese Food if you’re looking for quick, fresh American-style Chinese food.
Reasons to visit:
1. Reasonable prices
2. Great service
3. Family owned
4. Full menu
5. Decent flavors
6. Authentic Chinese corner store ambiance"
