Pick Up Stix

Pick Up Stix is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its fresh, wok-cooked Chinese cuisine, with every dish prepared to order. The company began in 1989, when Charlie Zhang opened the first location in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. The open-kitchen concept, where guests can see their meals being made, quickly set the brand apart and helped it build a loyal following across Southern California. By the late 1990s, Pick Up Stix had established a strong regional presence, earning recognition for its signature House Special Chicken and catering services.

A significant milestone in the company’s history came in 2001, when Pick Up Stix was acquired by Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, the parent company of TGI Fridays. This partnership brought new resources and operational expertise to the brand. In 2010, ownership transitioned to Mandarin Holdings, LLC, which also owns Leeann Chin and Mandarin Express, further consolidating several Asian fast-casual concepts under one parent.

As of November 2025, Pick Up Stix operates approximately 40 company-owned locations, all situated in California. The brand maintains a steady footprint in both suburban and urban retail centers, with a particular focus on Southern California markets such as Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Over the past five years, Pick Up Stix has prioritized operational consistency and careful site selection rather than rapid expansion. While the company is not aggressively growing, it remains open to strategic opportunities within its core and adjacent markets.

Pick Up Stix has demonstrated flexibility in adapting its restaurant formats to suit a range of retail environments, from shopping centers to high-traffic corridors. Its company-owned model ensures direct oversight of operations and brand standards. With a stable presence and a track record of success in high-density retail settings, Pick Up Stix continues to be a recognizable and reliable tenant in California’s commercial real estate landscape.