Confucius is not the typical Chinese restaurant, a fact that becomes evident upon entry. There are no traditional Chinese mementos, such as dragons, tiny porcelain teapots, Buddhas or zodiac animals decorating the premises. Instead, the decor is tastefully done with butter-yellow walls, hardwood floors and eclectic seating.

The new restaurant is owned by Shawn and Danielle Xiong, who purchased the former Sugar Plum location in the early spring. Renovations have been extensive, said Shawn Xiong, including changing the kitchen to accommodate numerous woks, and moving the service bar to the first floor.

The menu is distinctly different from that of other Chinese restaurants. Chicken with broccoli is absent, but for those with a more discriminating palate, the surprise is a pleasant one. Ranging in price from $16 to $32 per entree, Confucius’ menu will not be a set one for many years, according to Shawn Xiong.

Some of the items on the current menu include striped bass with ginger and scallions, walnut shrimp and scallops, Confucius lobster and one of Shawn Xiong’s personal favorites: Kung Pao chicken. According to Shawn Xiong, the dumplings are one of the best appetizers on the menu.

The restaurant’s service bar offers beer, wine, mixed drinks and cocktails. Reservations are appreciated but not required, and gift certificates are available for purchase.

In addition to Confucius, the Xiongs have also owned The Bonhouse, a Chinese restaurant on Wilmington’s Kirkwood Highway, since 1993. According to the Xiongs, 90 percent of the Bonhouse’s customers are repeat visitors. Shawn Xiong also said many of his Bonhouse customers will visit him at Confucius since they are Rehoboth Beach residents during the summer months.

Sean Xiong said his family has lived in Delaware since 1987, when it moved here from Hunan, China. He came to attend the University of Delaware for graduate school.

“Hunan cooking is what we specialize in,” said Sean Xiong, “but I’ve toned down the menu, especially the seafood, because you can’t taste the delicacy of the seafood otherwise.”

Sean Xiong said although his family currently still resides primarily in Newark, it will eventually relocate to Rehoboth.

“I came to Rehoboth because I like the area and because of all of the high-quality restaurants,” said Sean Xiong. “I like to be a little more creative and have time to travel [in the off-season] and learn from other eateries and introduce it back to the local community.”

An easy-going, affable man, Shawn Xiong said to ensure his customers keep coming back he will offer different specials year-round “just for the locals.” He also said he believes in keeping prices reasonable while focusing on quality.

“I like to get customer feedback and make friends,” said Shawn Xiong. “When I’m in the restaurant, I walk around and greet people. I want to see how to make things better. I don’t have a take-it-or-leave-it attitude.”

During the summer months, Confucius is open every day for dinner from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. and also for lunch on the weekends from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. It will be closed in January and February.

For more information or to make reservations at Confucius, call 227-3848.