OC Hall of Famer passes his ‘can-do’ attitude to the next generation

Entrepreneur, philanthropist and longtime Cal State Fullerton supporter Charlie Zhang was inducted into the Orange County Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 last month. The founder of Pick Up Stix is committed to uplifting the next generation and has made extensive contributions to local arts and education communities, including more than a decade of support to CSUF.

Zhang’s path to achieving the American dream is at the core of how he pays it forward. A native of Shanghai, China, and one of nine children, he arrived in Los Angeles in 1980 at the age of 24, speaking no English and carrying only his clarinet and $20 in his pocket. He had accepted a scholarship at a local music school, but when the money ran out, he was forced to leave his dream of becoming a musician and find employment.

Zhang landed a job as a busboy at a local Chinese restaurant, and not long after he was hired, he was involved in a kitchen accident that damaged the tendons in one of his fingers. He knew then that his musical aspirations were likely over, so he focused on the opportunity in front of him.

“I put my head down and worked hard with a can-do attitude to be the best dishwasher, the best busboy,” Zhang said. “I learned all the skills that were in a restaurant job — the kitchen skill set, then the dining room, waiting tables.”

Over the next two years, Zhang put his strong work ethic into practice. In 1984, with $7,200 in savings, he opened his first restaurant, Shanghai Charlie’s, in San Juan Capistrano, and in the late 1980s he founded Pick Up Stix, a fast-casual Asian food chain that grew to more than 140 locations. In 2001, he sold the brand to the parent company of TGI Friday’s and found continued success in other pursuits, including real estate and manufacturing.

With a heart for giving back, Zhang began philanthropic efforts in support of the next generation of students chasing the American dream. His involvement at CSUF began about 10 years ago when he was invited to campus to speak to students in the College of Business and Economics, and he quickly saw himself in the student body.

“What attracted me the most was the first-generation graduates,” said Zhang of CSUF. “I was inspired by their potential.”

Zhang is currently a member of the board of directors for CSUF’s Giles-O’Malley Center for Leadership and has played a pivotal role in supporting the Landmark Hall project, a 20,000-square-foot facility designed to become a central hub for leadership studies in Orange County. Additionally, he serves as a mentor through the college’s Executive in Residence program.

At CSUF’s 2023 commencement ceremonies, Zhang was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his contributions to the university and his dedication to education and the arts.

“Charlie Zhang’s extraordinary generosity and unwavering commitment to our community are a true inspiration,” said Sridhar Sundaram, dean of CSUF’s College of Business and Economics. “Charlie’s passion for empowering others and his dedication to fostering education and leadership resonate deeply with our mission to prepare future business leaders who will drive positive change in our community. His support for our college underscores the transformative impact of philanthropy, and we are honored to be part of his incredible legacy. Charlie exemplifies the values we strive to instill in our students — excellence, resilience and a commitment to making a difference.”

Zhang’s philanthropic reach extends far beyond CSUF, as he has also supported other educational institutions in Orange County, including Chapman University, Concordia University and UC Irvine. Although he didn’t complete his music degree, his passion for music remains and is reflected through his service on the board of directors for Pacific Symphony and in the founding of OC Music & Dance. The nonprofit community performing arts school will open an 82,000-square-foot facility at Great Park in Irvine in 2027.

“It’s my dream,” Zhang said. “We want to train and raise disciplined, hardworking, musically talented young students.”

Residents of Laguna Niguel since 1987, Zhang and his wife of 40 years, Ling, enjoy their two children and two grandchildren. His induction into the Orange County Hall of Fame puts Zhang among other OC names who have made a lasting impact, including Carl’s Jr. founder Carl Karcher, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos founders Wing Lam and the Lee family, and the 37th president of the United States, Richard Nixon.

But Zhang doesn’t enjoy the spotlight. Instead of focusing on his list of accomplishments, he says he would rather use his energy to help others achieve their dreams. So he will continue to model for young business students and musicians alike what a “can-do attitude” looks like and what is possible when determination meets opportunity.

“I want to pass on the philosophy and culture to the next generation so they can catch the baton, run the race and be the champion,” Zhang said. “Keep working hard, keep striving, stay hungry, seeking success. We all will achieve the American dream together.”