In the late 1990s, "Pick Up Stix," a Chinese fast-food chain with 75 locations across California and Nevada, wielded significant influence in the American dining scene. Founded by Charlie Zhang, an immigrant from Shanghai who arrived in the U.S. in the 1980s to study, the chain became a cornerstone of the restaurant industry.

 

In 2003, Carlson Companies, the parent company of TGI Fridays, acquired Pick Up Stix for $50 million. Zhang used the proceeds to embark on his second entrepreneurial venture while also investing heavily in charitable causes. Over 39 years of dedication and hard work, his charitable endeavors have expanded significantly, earning him recognition as a pioneering figure among Chinese entrepreneurs.

 

Xianghua Zhang's journey is rooted in his Shanghai origins. His father, Baocun Zhang, was an early coffee importer and roaster in old Shanghai. Despite challenges, including the nationalization of his father's coffee factory in 1950, Xianghua Zhang's mother, Huiqin Fang, courageously raised him and his nine siblings.

 

Xianghua Zhang's passion for music began in Shanghai, where he dreamed of attending the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Despite challenges in the educational environment of 1980s Shanghai, he persevered. At 24, armed with $20 and his beloved clarinet, he boarded a flight to Hawaii to pursue his studies in the U.S. at Pasadena City College. Days were spent studying music and nights working various jobs to support himself, including at restaurants and gas stations, while also attending adult education classes to improve his English.

 

His entrepreneurial journey began humbly, saving $7,200 from his jobs before pooling resources with friends and family to start his first restaurant in 1983, the "New Shanghai Restaurant" in Capistrano Beach, California. Despite initial setbacks and months of losses, Zhang's determination and hard work paid off, and the restaurant eventually turned profitable.

 

By 1988, after years of learning the restaurant business and establishing himself, Zhang launched Pick Up Stix, known for its made-to-order Chinese cuisine and efficient service. By 1998, the chain had expanded to 50 locations. During the economic downturn of 1993, while many struggled, Pick Up Stix flourished, reflecting Zhang's foresight and management.

 

Beyond business success, Zhang has committed himself to philanthropy. He founded the "Journey to Break the Ice Foundation" at the Nixon Library, which raised $100,000 in its first day alone. His generosity extends to education, having established the Orange County Music and Dance Academy in 2016 with an $8 million investment.

 

Xianghua Zhang's story exemplifies resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to community and philanthropy. His journey from Shanghai to America, overcoming challenges and achieving success in business and charity, underscores his role as a leader and role model for Chinese immigrants and entrepreneurs worldwide.

 

Xianghua Zhang (5th from the right) with musicians from the Pacific Symphony Orchestra of the United States

 

Xianghua Zhang has expressed that running a business is simply about making a living and earning enough to support oneself. However, music represents his purest and most enduring passion. To him, music has colors, much like life itself. Under Xianghua Zhang's leadership, in April 2017, the Orange County Music and Dance Academy organized a unique "From Rock to Classical" concert. This event featured a symphony orchestra performing classical music alongside rock singers, attracting extensive coverage from mainstream American media.

In the summer of 2019, one of the most anticipated activities in Los Angeles summer camps was the cultural exchange program between young pianists from China and the United States, hosted by the Orange County Music and Dance Center and the Steinway Academy. Before the pandemic, Xianghua Zhang was instrumental in organizing events like the "Chinese Young Pianists Concert" and the "Music Summer" series featuring young pianists from both China and the U.S. He invited talented students from institutions like the Central Conservatory Middle School and Shanghai Conservatory Middle School, allowing them to perform and exchange piano techniques in Los Angeles, fostering mutual learning and growth.

Xianghua Zhang was awarded the Outstanding Immigrant Award from Ellis Island, USA.