Entrepreneurship New Restaurants Food+Drink

HOMEGROWN FLAVOR: American, Asian Cuisine Combine at Grub Fusion

Elk Mound native and experienced restaurant manager Ge Yang returns home to open debut restaurant

Carlee Shimek, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. Grub Fusion Diner highlights some of the best classic eats from American and Asian cuisine, brought to the area from Elk Mound native Ge Young.
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. Grub Fusion Diner highlights some of the best classic eats from American and Asian cuisine, brought to the area by Elk Mound native Ge Yang.

The meshing of American and Asian cuisine is the highlight of Elk Mound’s newest restaurant, Grub Fusion Diner. Grub Fusion (100 E. Menomonie St.) was created by owner Ge Yang, who has returned to his hometown for the first time since graduating from Elk Mound High School 20 years ago.

The diner is a family-friendly hub featuring American meals with an Asian twist and vice versa. Appetizers include the likes of egg rolls and dumplings as well as classic Wisconsin cheese curds and chicken wings with Grub’s special sauce, and more. Sandwiches are the main variety up for grabs, including the popular fusion pork belly sandwich. The menu also includes favorites such as pho plus American classics like chicken tenders.

The Fusion Sandwich.
The Fusion Sandwich.

After graduating from Elk Mound High School, Yang attended Chippewa Valley Technical College for hotel and restaurant management. He has spent the last 18 years putting his degree to use through a career in restaurant management, the most recent eight years spent as a traveling manager for chain restaurant Panda Express, traveling across the Midwest from Indiana to North Dakota. After he helped open Eau Claire’s Panda Express, he felt it was time to return home and spend more time with family – and going all in with his idea for Grub Fusion Diner.

(THE COMMUNITY IS) HERE AND THEY WANT TO SUPPORT US. THAT'S THE BEST ASPECT OF A BUSINESS: WHEN THE COMMUNITY WANTS YOU HERE.

GE Yang

GRUB FUSION DINER OWNER

“Everybody knows one another in this town,” Yang said of his return to Elk Mound. “The people that come here are very welcoming; they’re here and they want to support us. That’s the best aspect of a business: when the community wants you here.”

Yang said online ordering will start at the beginning of July, and he plans for boba ice cream to be added to the menu at the end of the month. The ice cream version of the popular boba tea drink, Yang fell in love with the concoction when he first discovered it while visiting Laos. Grub Fusion Diner will be the perfect place to try out this tasty confection right in the Chippewa Valley area.

Pho.
Grub Fusion's Pho.

Grub Fusion Diner is a homegrown example of American and Asian cuisine coming together to form its own flavors, the classic favorites of each delicious food style highlighted best here. There is something for everyone at this small-town, family-owned diner in Elk Mound.

“I want (people) to see that I’ve put a lot of love, a lot of effort into creating the menu and food,” Yang said. “I want them to leave satisfied (and know) that they don’t have to go far to get a good meal.”

Pork Belly Platter.
Pork Belly Platter.
Crispy Chicken Tender Sandwich with Cheese Curds.
Crispy Chicken Tender Sandwich with Cheese Curds.


Though their website is still in development, you can view its current iteration here. Keep up with Grub Fusion’s Facebook page for updates on food and more. The diner is open daily from 11am-8pm at 100 E. Menomonie St., Elk Mound.