Today we’d like to introduce you to Freda Cheng.
Hi Freda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Everything started with my mother. My mother had a small Chinese restaurant 53 years ago where I grew up. I was cleaning and cooking, basically doing everything you see in a small business. Starting young, I was instilled with the value of hard work. I went to school, returned home to work, and studied until 3 in the morning. Later, I had an opportunity to open my Chinese restaurant in Georgetown for 18 years. In my mind, I was always thinking about Louisiana-styled seafood and steak and that, “If anyone can do it, I can do it.” So, not giving up, in 2000, I bought the land in Austin and started building around 2002. We finished and opened in January of 2003. I persevered to become what I am today and have been open for 21 great years.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It could have been a smoother road. When I built this restaurant, there was only the newly built Frost Bank and Holiday Inn. There were no street lights, office buildings, or houses built in the area. Everything was full of greenery and was dark. I had to call the city to put in the street lights and kept calling until they arrived. They would only put one street light in front of the restaurant but changed their minds and put all the street lights up. There was even a time when they were building the 45 toll road east and north. The city closed the roads and blocked both sides of my restaurant to build the toll—highway 183 and 620. No one was able to drive in. There was an oil spill, so it was a very tough time to get seafood, and we also had a time of recession.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Freda’s Seafood Grille?
I am a women-owned local business competing with the bigger restaurants. I wanted a place to celebrate a special event, a place to enjoy where people come together to enjoy each other. What sets us apart is that we are attentive and caring to guests and our staff. We specialize in steak and seafood with a flare of Louisiana-styled dishes. I am proud brand-wise of our fresh seafood, great cut steaks, and excellent service and ambiance.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is that when customers come over to eat, I want it to feel like home, loved, and welcomed. I also care about the community. During the pandemic for 4 years, we donated food to the hospital staff, the police station, the fire department, and schools every week. We just wanted to help the community by giving food to those who work so hard for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fredasaustin.com
