(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — A photo of two employees sitting outside a local restaurant on their break has gone viral on Facebook, setting off a heated debate about professionalism, cleanliness, and the challenges of running a small business. The image, taken outside Bao Su a Chinese Cuisine, shows employees near a stack of cardboard boxes, a snapshot of a typical workday that has now become the center of attention online.
But while the debate rages on social media, some are asking if the bigger picture is being overlooked. Bao Su is a family-run restaurant that has earned a strong following in Simi Valley for its authentic Chinese food and dim sum. For the owner and employees, this is just another day of juggling hard work, long hours, and high expectations to keep their doors open.
Bao Su, located in a strip mall off Cochran Street, has been quietly building a reputation for serving some of the best Chinese food in the area. Fans of Bau Su say, it’s one of the only places in Simi where you can find dim sum classics like har gow (crystal shrimp dumplings).
“This is the only spot I know of in town that has the essential dim sum items,” said Carolyn V. from Carson in a Yelp review.
Many other customers have shared similar positive experiences. Vivian G., a visitor from Los Angeles, called Bao Su “one of the most delicious and authentic Chinese food spots in Simi Valley” and said she’ll definitely be back.
Peter M. from Northridge stumbled upon Bao Su during a lunch outing and described it as a “hidden gem.”
The viral photo, however, has placed Bao Su under the microscope for reasons that have little to do with the food. It shows two employees sitting on boxes, taking a break near the restaurant’s back door, with cardboard stacked nearby. Some on Facebook criticized the scene, claiming it looked unprofessional or messy, while others defended the workers and pointed out that moments like these are just part of running a restaurant.
“This is what it looks like when people are working hard,” one commenter said. “Restaurants aren’t perfect 24/7, and that’s okay. What matters is the food and service.”
Another commenter put it bluntly: “If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, you’d know this is normal. It’s hard work.”
While some questioned whether the restaurant should manage its back area differently, others emphasized the need to focus on what Bao Su brings to the community—a place for great food and an opportunity for the owners to earn an honest living.
For family-owned restaurants like Bao Su, every day is a balancing act. The team handles everything—preparing food, serving customers, managing deliveries, and dealing with the inevitable mess that comes with a busy kitchen. Unlike big corporate chains, small businesses like this don’t have extra staff or resources to make everything look picture-perfect all the time.
Bao Su’s story is a reminder of how important it is to support local businesses. These are the places that give Simi Valley its character and create jobs. They offer something you won’t find at big chains: personality, heart, and a connection to the community.
If you’ve been curious about Bao Su, there’s no better time to try it for yourself. Whether you’re craving dumplings, sesame rice balls, or stir-fried garlic bok choy, stop by and see what the buzz is about. The restaurant has plenty of positive Yelp reviews from satisfied customers, but the best way to judge is to go and experience it firsthand.
The photo may have caused a stir, but it also highlights something important: small businesses like Bao Su rely on us as much as we rely on them. The next time you’re deciding where to eat, think about the hardworking people behind places like Bao Su. Show your support by dining local, leaving a positive review, or simply giving them the benefit of the doubt when things aren’t perfect.
Simi Valley is better when its small businesses thrive. Let’s make sure restaurants like Bao Su continue to be a part of our community for years to come. Because behind every plate of dumplings and every bowl of soup is a story of hard work, resilience, and a commitment to serving their neighbors.
