Tso Chinese Delivery

Tso Chinese Delivery operates as a technology-centric, delivery and takeout-only restaurant business in the Austin, Texas market, specializing in Chinese-American cuisine. The company was co-founded in 2016 by two husband-and-wife pairs: Min and Jenna Choe, and Angell and Eunice Tsang. Min and Jenna Choe brought extensive experience as restaurateurs, having started their first Chinese restaurant in 2005. This background provided the culinary and operational foundation for Tso.

The concept originated from the founders' vision to modernize the Chinese restaurant model for a new generation of consumers focused on convenience. Recognizing a gap in the market for a technology-driven solution, Min Choe partnered with Angell Tsang, a software engineer with a deep background in quality assurance and engineering management, to build a proprietary technology platform from the ground up. This was a crucial decision made after realizing that existing third-party software could not adequately support their integrated vision for e-commerce, kitchen logistics, and delivery management. The company officially launched its first location in August 2017 and achieved profitability within its first month of operation.

Tso's business model is built around a vertically integrated system that controls the entire customer journey, from online ordering to food preparation and final delivery. This is facilitated by its custom-built software, which manages e-commerce, kitchen operations, and a proprietary fleet of delivery drivers. By avoiding third-party delivery services, Tso maintains control over the customer experience and operational efficiency. A key differentiator in its financial structure is a strict no-tipping policy, with revenue instead allocated to providing higher, stable wages for its employees. The company generates revenue directly from the sale of its food items, which are made from scratch to order. This operational framework, centered on a cloud kitchen model, lowers overhead from lease rates and eliminates the need for traditional dining room staff, passing savings to customers through free delivery.

The company's service offering is fresh, made-to-order Chinese-American food, with a menu curated by Chief Culinary Officer Jenna Choe. The menu features classic dishes and includes accommodations for various dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten-free options. Tso has expanded its physical footprint across the Austin area since its initial launch, opening its second location in 2019, a third in 2021, and continuing to add more stores. This growth has been supported by seed funding from notable investors, including the former co-CEO of Whole Foods and founders of Bazaarvoice and Bonobos. The firm is also a certified B-Corporation and engages in community support through its #TsoGiving initiative. Keywords: foodtech, cloud kitchen, delivery, restaurant technology, Chinese-American cuisine, e-commerce platform, vertical integration, direct-to-consumer, no-tipping model, Austin