Chopsticks Earns Business Spotlight Award
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The Water Valley Chamber of Commerce presented Fay Zhong with the Business Spotlight Award. Pictured at the presentation are (from left) Dr. Hunter Edwards, Tracey Varner, Angie Hodge, Grant Thompson, Zhong, Courtney Daniels, Teresa Whitten and Erin Howell Sharp.
WATER VALLEY – Chopsticks Chinese restaurant was presented the Business Spotlight Award by the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Sept. 9. First launched by the Chamber in 2016, the award honors merchants, business and individuals who excel in their support of the community.
Chopsticks is owned by Fay Zhong and opened at 502 North Main Street on Valentine’s Day in 2022. Zhong has decades of experience as a cook, dating back to his middle school years in China at his father’s restaurant. He explained that his father opened a restaurant in 1984, when Zhong was only five years old. He also recalled that his father’s restaurant had no menu.
“The customers tell you what they want and you cook it,” Zhong explained.
Chamber board member Grant Thompson (right) congratulates Fay Zhong.
Zhong moved to the United States in 2005 when he was 26 years old, and he has worked as a cook at different locations. Prior to opening Chopsticks, Zhong worked 13 years in the kitchen at the Grand Palace in Grenada.
Zhong’s parents came to America after he moved here, but only stayed for nine months before returning to China. The family communicates using video calls, so that they can see their grandchildren. Even though he does not see his extended family, Zhong said he has never regretted his decision to move to the United States.
“I like it here, and I am excited to own a restaurant with my family,” said Zhong.
Chopsticks serves Cantonese-style food, including fried rice, chow mein, lo mein, chop suey, egg foo young and other favorite dishes. The menu also features other favorites including multiple soups – egg drop soup, wonton soup and hot and sour soup; appetizers ranging from eggs rolls to sweet biscuits; and chicken, beef, pork and shrimp dishes. Zhong reports the favorite menu items are moo goo gai pan, green pepper steak and Singapore style rice noodles. The business employs four workers.
Chopsticks is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Business Spotlight Drawing For $25 Gift Card
In honor of this Business Spotlight award, the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a $25 gift card to the person who can correctly answer this question.
How many children do Zhong and his wife, Angela Lu, have?
All correct answers will be compiled and the winning name will be drawn on Sept. 27. You may reply on Facebook or stop by the Chamber of Commerce office any time during regular office hours and leave a written answer. The winner will be called or notified on Facebook.
