Jade Panda Filipino Fusion

Rothschild’s newest restaurant, Jade Panda Filipino Fusion, invites people to try their made-from-scratch comfort foods with a twist.

The owner of the restaurant, John Greene, was born in the Philippines and grew up in Las Vegas.

Greene said that he began culinary school when he was 16 at the College of Southern Nevada. From there, he moved to Boston, Louisiana and Florida for various cooking jobs.

In 2012, Greene was offered a job at the Wausau Country Club, and that is when he began the journey of calling the Wausau area his home.

Jade Panda Filipino Fusion had its official soft opening on July 7 and is planning on holding a grand opening soon.

Greene said that opening this restaurant has been a good way to get back to his roots.

“A lot of the dishes are what I used to make with my mom growing up,” he said.

The menu offers a variety of options ranging from ramen to authentic Filipino pancit, lumpia and more.

“Filipino cuisine itself is like fusion food,” said Greene. “It’s a blend of Spanish, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Japanese, so it’s kind of a fusion on fusion type of thing.”

Greene said that it has always been his goal to own his own business.

“I’ve spent most of my life running kitchens for other people, and I decided that now is a good time to open my own,” he said. “I’ve always known how to run a kitchen, but the decor part is a lot of fun too, and having complete control over the menu is exciting.”

Greene said his favorite part of owning the restaurant is “being able to put my own stamp on everything.”

During the renovation process of the building Greene and his crew painted, built a bar, detailed the kitchen and put up original artwork.

“My daughter painted a mural for the place,” said Greene. “The building is night and day compared to what it was.”

Greene said that he feels like a lot of restaurants in the area are all similar, and that his restaurant offers something unique.

“The menu is always going to be evolving with weekly and monthly specials,” he said. “The funnest part of being in the kitchen is coming up with different food and then watching them sell and people being happy with the food.”

Greene said that the first few days of opening were hectic.

“We were insanely busy for those first seven days, and it was a great learning experience,” he said. “We love being busy.”

Through the busy days, Greene said his favorite part about owning Jade Panda Filipino Fusion has been working with his friends and family.

“The best part is the trust and confidence we have in each other, but at the same time getting feedback and working together,” he said.

“We have a positive work environment and a positive atmosphere,” he said. “When the restaurant does well, then we can keep on putting money into the restaurant and just keep growing every day.”

Greene hopes that people will come for the good food and stay for the laid-back atmosphere.

“We’re excited to be a part of the Wausau family, and we want to keep growing every day,” said Greene.

One notable aspect of the restaurant is its commitment to donating to charities. Greene said that a portion of sales will be donated to organizations such as Pandas International, Homes for Our Troops, DC Everest School District and Save the Children Philippines.

“It’s worth it to give back because we have been given so many opportunities and we want to be able to share that with people who need it,” said Greene.

Jade Panda Filipino Fusion is currently open from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. every day except Sunday. Check out the restaurant at 1122 E. Grand Ave., Rothschild.