Engineer Turned Restaurateur: Cris Liang’s Journey

About this episode

Cris Liang shares his journey from engineering to hospitality, emphasizing the importance of community and cultural connections through food.

Cris Liang, a UC San Diego alumnus trained in engineering, explains how a cross-border upbringing and family entrepreneurship guided his move from engineering to hospitality. He grew up between Mexico and the United States, spoke Cantonese and Spanish at home and in the community, and came to see food as a bridge that connects cultures and neighborhoods. His restaurants focus on community, offering welcoming places to share meals and friendships. Liang emphasizes relationships, resilience, and long-term purpose over quick wins. In this interview with Frank Silva, his practical creativity comes through as he reflects on identity, perseverance, and the power of hospitality to bring people together. Series: "Education Channel" [Business] [Education] [Show ID: 40974]

People in this episode

Host: Frank Silva

Guest: Cris Liang

Topics covered

• engineering
• hospitality
• cultural identity
• community
• entrepreneurship

Keywords

• Cris Liang
• hospitality
• engineering
• community
• cultural identity
• entrepreneurship
• resilience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UC San Diego

Places: Mexico, United States

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