Bao’d Up

Bao’d Up: Profitable, Delivery-First Asian Fast Casual Ready to Take Over the Texas Market

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Highlights

VC-Backed

Raised $250K or more from a venture firm

VC-Backed

$1M+ Revenue

Earned over the last 12 months

$1M+ Revenue
1
$2.5M Revenue: Company-wide revenue achieved in competitive market
2
3 restaurants, 4 ghost kitchens, Austin FC Q2 Stadium outpost, and 5,000 square ft. central kitchen
3
Proven profitable business model with 77.5% pickup/delivery lean model ready for efficient expansion
4
Established central kitchen operation, providing a scalable platform for rapid multi-unit expansion

Featured Investor

Team

Quick, Affordable, Unforgettable Asian-American Food Fast-Tracked for the Future

1. Market Opportunity

Problem: Traditional Asian dining in the U.S. is often inconvenient, priced at a premium, and lacks broad mainstream appeal.

Solution: Bao’d Up offers a fast, affordable Asian fusion concept designed to fit the tastes and lifestyles of everyday American consumers.

Bao'd Up is redefining Asian street food for the American mainstream—offering bold, delicious flavors in a delivery-first format that is fast, affordable, and scalable. We’ve proven the concept. Now it’s bao time to grow.

2. Our Mission & Vision

Bao’d Up began as a humble, hole-in-the-wall dumpling shop with one simple mission: to share our favorite comfort food—soft, steamed bao buns—with as many people as possible.

That mission hasn’t changed.

Inspired by the nostalgic flavors of our childhood, Bao’d Up was founded by two neighbors-turned-entrepreneurs with one shared dream: to make bold, delicious Asian comfort food fast, accessible, and unforgettable.

3. Traction & Why We’re Different

  • $2.5M+ Company-Wide Revenue: Achieved in a highly competitive economy and market. As of June 2025, there are 5 locations in the greater Austin area and 1 food stand inside the Q2 soccer stadium
  • Proven Profitable Business Model: We’ve aligned our costs, menu offerings, and operations to hit profitability at all our brick-and-mortar locations.
  • 77.5% To-Go and Delivery: Proven, profitable business model demonstrating a strong foundation for efficient, smaller-footprint expansion.
  • Loved by All: Over 90% of Bao’d Up customers come from non-Asian backgrounds—proof that great food crosses cultures. Notable fans include cultural icon Andrew Fung (2M+ followers) and celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern (4x James Beard Award winner).

4. Growth Plan & Future of Bao'd Up

1. Rapid Footprint Expansion

  • Launch small-format, low-overhead locations focused on takeout and delivery.

2. High-Volume, Value-Based Strategy

  • Win on price, speed, and flavor—driving frequency and customer loyalty.

3. Central Kitchen Leverage

  • Utilize our central kitchen to ensure quality, consistency, and efficiency.

4. Omni-Channel Revenue

  • Catering, pickup, and online ordering let us meet customers where they are.

5. Built to Scale Nationwide

  • Our flexible, delivery-first model thrives in urban, suburban, and even nontraditional spaces.

5. Why Now?

  • Post-Covid Consumer Behavior: Takeout & Delivery is here to stay - and we're built for it
  • We Found Our Customer: Delivery platforms showed us who loves our food—and we’re doubling down.
  • Refined and Profitable: We’ve simplified operations, optimized pricing, and hit profitability.

6. The Ask

We’re raising on Wefunder to launch our next phase of growth. With your investment, we plan to:

  1. Open 2–3 new delivery-optimized stores in high-demand areas.
  2. Strengthen influencer partnerships and grassroots marketing.
  3. Upgrade operations and technology to support rapid scale.


7. Join the Bao Revolution

You’re not just investing in a restaurant—you’re backing a movement. Bao’d Up is ready to bring bold, approachable Asian flavors to every corner of America. We’ve done the hard part. Now we’re ready to grow.

Invest now on Wefunder and be part of the journey to redefine fast casual dining with delicious, portable Asian flavors!

Press

Bao'd Up has garnered significant media attention for its innovative approach to Asian cuisine, particularly its focus on steamed bao buns. Here's a look at some of the notable press coverage:

  • QSR Magazine: "Bao’d Up exemplifies the early-stage potential of Asian fast casuals, representing a broader trend where niche Asian concepts are beginning to gain traction in the mainstream U.S. market."
  • The Austin Chronicle: “Oh! The soft, tasty goodness … I just really love bao(s)"
  • Texas Lifestyle Magazine: "Bao’d Up is part of a new wave of modern Asian eateries redefining fast casual with bold flavors, cultural authenticity, and a fun, tech-savvy dining experience."
  • Eater Austin: "[Bao'd Up hosted] the four-time James Beard Award-winner sharing his personal recommendations on places to eat."
  • Travel Channel: "There's something about Asian BBQ meat in a steamed bun that just makes my heart sting." - Andrew Zimmern (Celebrity Chef)
  • QSR Magazine: "We can see it clearly: [Bao'd Up] has a great shot at defining the next generation of fast-casual success."
Overview