From humble beginnings in Shanghai, China, Charlie Zhang followed the American dream to California in 1980 with just a few dollars in his pocket. He supported himself working as a restaurant dishwasher and gas station attendant before saving enough to open his own modest restaurant. With hard work and sharp business instincts, he went on to found Pick Up Stix, a popular Chinese fast-casual chain that grew to more than 100 locations before being sold to TGI Friday’s in 2001.

Zhang later founded Zion Enterprises, a real estate development firm responsible for more than $200 million in commercial, retail, and residential projects throughout the western United States. In 2004, he launched Aseptic Solutions USA, an advanced bottling company specializing in organic beverages, which he successfully sold to global nutrition company Glanbia in 2012.

Zhang has been recognized with numerous honors, including Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the Beijing International Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He also serves on the advisory boards of several corporations and universities.

In recent years, Zhang has dedicated much of his energy to philanthropy. He is a passionate supporter of the Pacific Symphony, Ellis Island Honors Society, Israel archaeology efforts, and numerous educational and faith-based institutions. A long-time supporter of Pacific Chorale, Zhang now returns to its Board of Directors, reaffirming his commitment to the arts and community. In 2017, he founded Orange County Music & Dance, a nonprofit performing arts school in Irvine that provides world-class music and dance education to children of all backgrounds.

Charlie and his wife, Ling, live in Laguna Niguel, California. Their two adult sons, Joshua and Benjamin, reside in San Diego and San Francisco. Together, the family is guided by a shared commitment to joy, faith, peace, and love.