Pick Up Stix
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Charlie Zhang |
| Headquarters | Laguna Hills, California , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Lorne Goldberg (owner) |
| Products | Fresh Asian cuisine |
| Owner | Mandarin Holdings |
Pick Up Stix is a U.S.-based fast-casual restaurant chain headquartered in Laguna Hills, California, specializing in fresh Asian cuisine. The brand operates primarily through a combination of corporate-owned and franchised outlets located mainly in Southern California. Its services include dine-in, takeout, offsite catering, delivery, and meal provisions for private educational institutions. The chain is owned by Mandarin Holdings, led by Lorne Goldberg, which also owns Leeann Chin. Pick Up Stix was purchased from Carlson Companies in 2010.
All menu items are prepared to order using traditional woks over high-temperature burners. In a 2008 survey conducted by San Diego Magazine, it was ranked among the top three "Best Takeout" options in the San Diego area.
History
Pick Up Stix was established in 1989 by Chinese immigrant Charlie Zhang, who came to the United States in 1982 with just $20. Zhang modified classic Asian dishes to appeal to American palates by reducing oil content and incorporating wine, vinegar, and soy sauce. The inaugural location opened in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Expansion continued with new restaurants in Irvine and Laguna Niguel by 1992, followed by further growth into San Diego County by 1994.
In July 2001, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide acquired the chain. The company also runs its own food-processing plant and retained Zhang as president and CEO until his retirement in 2003. In 2010, ownership transferred from Carlson to Mandarin Holdings under Lorne Goldberg. Currently, Pick Up Stix operates more than 70 locations throughout the United States.
Closings
In early 2008, the company closed 26 outlets across California, Nevada, and Arizona to concentrate on more profitable markets. By 2010, all locations outside California in Nevada and Arizona had been shut down, while California stores remained operational. After a significant renovation of the Excalibur Hotel and Casino food court in Las Vegas at the end of 2012, Pick Up Stix replaced Manchu Wok with a new branch there. The original Rancho Santa Margarita restaurant closed its doors in 2022.