David Zhao, Founding Partner of Chubby Group, was named to Crain’s New York Business’ 40 Under 40 list for 2026, recognizing his work in building restaurant concepts that combine food, technology, and operational innovation. The feature highlights Chubby Bowls, a fast-casual concept opened in Greenwich Village, and the use of automated woks designed to reduce the physical strain traditionally placed on culinary workers.
At Chubby Group, this recognition reflects a larger mission beyond restaurant expansion. Chubby Bowls was built around a practical problem: kitchen work can be physically demanding, repetitive, and difficult to sustain over time. By integrating automated cooking technology into the operation, Chubby Group is showing how hospitality can evolve in a way that supports consistency, efficiency, and a better working environment for teams.
The larger business insight is that innovation in restaurants should not only improve speed or profitability. It should solve real operational problems. Concepts like Chubby Bowls show how technology can protect quality, reduce labor strain, and create a more scalable model for the future of food. For Chubby Group, the opportunity is clear: continue building hospitality concepts where technology strengthens both the guest experience and the people behind it.
Read more:
https://www.crainsnewyork.com/recognitions/40-under-40/2026/cny-david-zhao/