From a chef to the founder of a restaurant group—Zhang Gui has spent twelve years putting down roots in Lanzhou New Area, growing alongside the city. Wide, clean roads, abundant parks and green spaces, and modern communities rising rapidly—the pace of development in Lanzhou New Area is remarkable. Above the steel and concrete, a vibrant urban life flourishes; among the towering buildings, the essence of people's livelihoods remains strong.
On this promising land, Zhang Gui, a native of Zhangye born after 1985, has achieved a remarkable career transformation over twelve years: from an ordinary Sichuan cuisine chef to the founder of a restaurant group with six locations. Transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur, he has not only realized his personal dreams but also, through serving warm meals, upheld his original commitment to "making the new area a better place."
In 2012, Zhang Gui's life took a decisive turn. At that time, Lanzhou New Area was brimming with construction fervor and vitality. "I had traveled widely while learning Sichuan cuisine from my master, but arriving in Lanzhou New Area felt truly different," Zhang Gui recalled. "Although the infrastructure wasn't as complete as it is now, the dynamic energy made me feel hopeful about the future."
Driven by this optimism, Zhang Gui opened his first restaurant, "Old Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine," in Zhongchuan Town in 2012. Two years later, his "Old Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine and Fish Restaurant" opened in the northwest corner of Rainbow City Zone B. "There were many construction projects in the new area back then, and workers had a high demand for meals," he noted. Thanks to his solid culinary skills and honest management, the business thrived. This success not only helped him establish a foothold but also deepened his attachment to the area.
"Once you arrive, you become part of the new area"—this sentiment is vividly embodied in Zhang Gui's story. Starting with the opening of "Old Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine and Fish Restaurant" in 2014, Zhang Gui gradually expanded his餐饮 empire, adding almost one new outlet each year and continuously broadening his operations. To date, his company, Gansu Mingdehui Catering and Entertainment Management Co., Ltd., operates six restaurants with over a hundred employees.
Notably, many of these employees have been with him for years. "Six of our senior staff have worked with me for more than a decade," Zhang Gui said with pride. "When we started, they were still single; now they have settled down, built careers, and put down roots here in Lanzhou New Area."
As Lanzhou New Area developed rapidly, it attracted more people and business opportunities, while also raising expectations for high-quality dining services. Zhang Gui敏锐地 recognized this shift. "There is currently a lack of high-standard banquet venues in Lanzhou New Area," he observed. Acting on this insight, he partnered with others to establish the Silk Road Huating Banquet Hotel in Greenland Lehe City.
"What we aim to offer is one-stop service," Zhang Gui explained. The hotel not only provides space for wedding banquets but also integrates services like wedding planning, photography, videography, and wedding car rentals for a seamless experience. Since its opening in February of this year, the hotel has quickly gained market approval with its affordable prices and high-standard services.
Despite his success, Zhang Gui has never forgotten his roots. Starting March 25, Silk Road Huating launched a two-week charity initiative, offering free爱心 lunches to sanitation workers and taxi drivers. "These groups work hard to serve the city," Zhang Gui said. "Providing free lunches is our small way of giving back to these wonderful people." To ensure the quality of the meals, he applied the same dedication as he does to his own business. "If we're doing it, we must live up to everyone's trust."
From chef to restaurant group founder, from pursuing quality to engaging in charity and giving back to society—Zhang Gui's growth has moved in step with the rapid development of Lanzhou New Area. His perseverance and contributions have added a warm touch to this emerging city.
In closing, Zhang Gui extended a sincere invitation: "I hope more aspiring individuals will come to Lanzhou New Area to invest and start businesses, and I look forward to more entrepreneurs participating in公益 initiatives, growing and developing together with the new area."
Zhang Gui's entrepreneurial journey mirrors that of countless strivers in the new area. This city of hope grows ever brighter because of dreamers and hardworking entrepreneurs like him.
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