She subsequently left to open her own restaurant, Julian in Brookside, Kansas City, in 2009. While at Julian, Tio appeared on several television cooking series such as Top Chef Masters, Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef. Julian was a change in cuisine for Tio, with a more relaxed menu instead of the fine dining she served while at the American Restaurant.[4] She opened a second restaurant, called Collection, in 2013, and a further restaurant entitled The Belfry, during the following year.[5]
After eight years, Tio decided not to renew the lease for Julian in 2017, saying "I’ve been very fortunate that Julian has been and remains successful and am super grateful for all the continued support of my guests over the years. But I feel like the time is right to move on and give another local restaurateur an opportunity to thrive in Brookside".[4]
Personal life
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2022)
Regarding her ethnicity, Tio has described herself as "half-Chinese".[6]