Meet Patrick Cheng | Restaurant Catering Revenue Consultant Chinese American Cuisine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patrick Cheng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patrick, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for our business came from observing a gap in the Chinese restaurant industry, particularly the challenges faced by owners trying to balance traditional values with the demands of modern operations. Many restaurant owners were struggling with inefficient systems, high third-party fees, and limited community engagement.

We saw an opportunity to bridge this gap by introducing innovative solutions, such as streamlined POS systems, catering platforms tailored for corporate clients, and strategies for building a strong digital presence. Inspired by success stories like Panda Express, we aimed to combine the efficiency and scalability of modern franchise models with the authenticity and cultural heritage that make Chinese restaurants unique.

Additionally, our focus was on empowering owners by providing tools to improve profitability while reducing daily operational burdens. For example, we’ve introduced solutions like centralized kitchens, AI tools for customer interaction, and group purchasing power for cost savings.

Ultimately, our mission is to help restaurant owners not only grow their businesses but also achieve more freedom and a better work-life balance by implementing these systems. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our ideas make a tangible impact on businesses and communities.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets General Tso’s apart is our unrelenting focus on efficiency, quality, and community impact. Operating out of an 800-square-foot kitchen, we’ve perfected a system that produces up to 200 meals per hour without compromising on flavor or presentation. This level of operational excellence allows us to cater corporate and industrial events with precision and reliability, which is something I take immense pride in.

I’m most proud of the community-focused mission behind General Tso’s. From donating over 19,000 meals to schools and local organizations to empowering non-native English speakers through my nonprofit, NextGen Impact Georgia, everything we do is driven by the belief that success should uplift those around us.

How did I get here? Well, it hasn’t been easy. Starting in 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, brought its own set of challenges. Supply chain issues, staffing shortages, and navigating an unpredictable market forced us to adapt quickly. But I embraced innovation. Leveraging technology, developing efficient workflows, and focusing on high-volume catering helped us stand out.

The toughest challenge was earning trust in an industry dominated by big-name chains. We overcame this by delivering consistency, reliability, and a personalized touch. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to be the biggest to make an impact—you just have to be the best at what you do and remain authentic to your values.

What I want the world to know about General Tso’s is that we’re not just another catering company. We’re a brand that blends innovation and tradition, offering modern Chinese-American cuisine that redefines expectations. Whether it’s our customers, partners, or community, our goal is to create value, inspire growth, and leave a lasting impression.

We’re excited about the future—expanding into new markets like Chicago and New York, building relationships, and continuing to serve not just meals but experiences. General Tso’s is more than a business; it’s a story of resilience, ambition, and purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Community Networking Kickoff
Morning: Start the day at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting. Groups like the Sandy Springs Chamber or the Duluth Business Association host fantastic networking events with local business leaders.
Afternoon: Visit local civic groups like the Rotary Club or attend a lunch-and-learn hosted by one of Atlanta’s many professional organizations.
Evening: Attend a mixer with the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, which brings together diverse entrepreneurs and suppliers for collaboration and growth.
Day 2: Building Connections
Morning: Grab coffee with members of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta to discuss initiatives and opportunities to give back to the community.
Afternoon: Tour local nonprofits like NextGen Impact Georgia or meet with advocacy groups working on business development for underrepresented communities.
Evening: Attend a networking event hosted by National ACE or the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association, where we can exchange ideas with other business owners and leaders.
Day 3: Civic Engagement
Morning: Volunteer together at a community outreach event hosted by organizations like the NAACP Atlanta Chapter or the United Way of Greater Atlanta.
Afternoon: Attend a roundtable discussion or panel at the Atlanta Regional Commission, focusing on economic development and community planning.
Evening: Join a local chamber happy hour, such as the Duluth Business Association, to wind down and connect with members in a casual setting.
Day 4: Leadership and Advocacy
Morning: Participate in a workshop or leadership session with the Center for Asian Pacific American Women, focusing on leadership development and mentorship.
Afternoon: Host or attend a lunch meeting with members of the Atlanta Black Chamber or Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to explore cross-cultural collaboration.
Evening: Attend a civic gala or awards event, celebrating community leaders who are making a difference.
Day 5: Grassroots and Impact
Morning: Meet with young professionals at a Voice of Young Asian Professionals event. This group fosters collaboration and mentorship among emerging leaders.
Afternoon: Visit small business hubs or attend a funding seminar hosted by organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA) or Comcast RISE.
Evening: Wrap up with a community dinner event, where we’d share a meal and stories with local civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
Day 6: Celebrating Local Partnerships
Morning: Attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony or new business launch organized by the Chamber of Commerce.
Afternoon: Visit local cultural hubs like Ponce City Market or The Battery to celebrate the economic impact of local businesses.
Evening: Network at a charity fundraising event, supporting causes like education, sustainability, or minority entrepreneurship.
Day 7: Reflecting and Giving Back
Morning: Host a breakfast with members of various organizations we met during the week to reflect on key takeaways and potential collaborations.
Afternoon: Volunteer at a food pantry or community center to end the trip with a meaningful impact.
Evening: Celebrate the week with a relaxing dinner, reflecting on the incredible energy and connections we’ve experienced throughout the community.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
General Tso’s wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible support and encouragement of so many individuals, organizations, and communities. First and foremost, I want to give a big shoutout to my family, whose unwavering belief in my vision has been my anchor through thick and thin. From my parents instilling hard work and resilience to my wife and son, who inspire me every day to lead with purpose and integrity—this journey is as much theirs as it is mine.

I also want to recognize the local organizations and chambers of commerce that have provided resources and platforms for us to grow and connect. Organizations like the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta, and National ACE have been instrumental in offering mentorship, access to networks, and countless opportunities to elevate our brand and community impact. Their work ensures that businesses like mine have a seat at the table.

Additionally, I owe gratitude to Fooda, ezCater, and other partners who have believed in General Tso’s, helping us scale and bring modern Chinese-American cuisine to corporate settings with unparalleled efficiency.

On a personal note, books like “Good to Great” by Jim Collins have profoundly shaped how I approach leadership, focusing on building something that lasts, while continuously improving. And finally, the employees of General Tso’s, past and present, deserve a standing ovation for their hard work, passion, and commitment to making our vision a reality.

This journey has never been a solo effort—it’s a collective triumph fueled by mentorship, collaboration, and shared dreams. To everyone who has been a part of the General Tso’s story, this shoutout is for you. Let’s keep striving for more together!

Website: https://generaltsoscatering.com

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