Reflections from China: Bridging Generations, Cultures, and Craft in Menu Supply

Hello everyone! 

I'm just returning from my first trip to China on behalf of Goodsmart, and I'm still processing everything I experienced. This wasn't just a business trip—it was a journey that connected me to my heritage, our suppliers, and the incredible craft that goes into every menu cover we offer you.

Why This Trip Mattered

After this trip, it was clear to me that there really is something different about seeing the production process with your own eyes? As the second-generation owner, I felt this responsibility to understand not just what we sell, but how it's made and by whom.

My main goal was simple: visit our factory partners for the first time and select new products that would serve you, our customers, even better. What I discovered was that, but also so much more.

The Warmth That Bridges Continents

Experiencing Chinese business culture firsthand was a new experience for me, even as someone who traveled there often as a kid. See below for one of my favorite meals with the team:

The real magic happened during our business dinners and tea sessions. There's a unique tradition in Chinese business culture where relationships are built over shared meals and countless cups of tea. I found myself conducting entire negotiations in Chinese, drawing on my heritage in ways I hadn't since childhood.

All in all, I was proud to represent both my American business roots and Chinese cultural heritage. These weren't just supplier meetings; they were conversations between people who understand that quality comes from caring about what you create.

The Hands Behind Your Menu Covers

Here's what really got to me: seeing the actual people who craft your menu covers every single day. Walking through our partner factory, I watched skilled men and women working with their hands, and it humbled me in ways I didn't expect.

Each menu cover goes through so many hands:

• Cutting specialists who measure and slice materials with precision
• Stitching aunties who sew each seam by hand
• Corner stamping experts who add those perfect finishing touches
• Quality inspectors who make sure everything meets our standards

Watching this process unfold made me realize that when you hold one of our menu covers, you're holding hours of human craftsmanship. It's not just a product—it's the result of people who take genuine pride in their work.

The Art of Hand-Crafted Excellence

What struck me most was how much of the process is still done by hand. In our world of automation and mass production, these craftspeople are keeping traditional techniques alive. I watched workers carefully stamping corners, ensuring each menu cover has that perfect professional finish you expect.

The stitching process alone is mesmerizing. Each thread is placed with intention, every seam reinforced to handle the daily wear and tear of busy restaurants. This is why our menu covers last—because real people are putting real care into making them.

I took videos of the entire process (see below!) because I think you deserve to see the hands that create what you use in your restaurant every day. It's one thing to order supplies online; it's another to understand the human story behind them.

What This Means for You

Coming back from China, we're even more committed to bringing you products that reflect the care and craftsmanship you put into your own restaurants. Every menu cover, every check book, every supply item we offer has been touched by skilled hands and inspected with pride.

We're not just another supplier—we're your partners in creating memorable dining experiences. And now, having seen the incredible work that goes into our products, I can tell you with complete confidence that when you choose Goodsmart, you're choosing quality that's been crafted with care.

Looking Forward Together

This trip to China reminded me why we do what we do at Goodsmart, and why we do it: we are here to support your restaurant's success with products made by people who genuinely care about their craft.

As we introduce our new checkbook collection and continue expanding our menu cover offerings, you can trust that everything has been personally selected and quality-tested. We're bringing you supplies that bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern restaurant needs.

And if you're curious about our products or want to chat about your restaurant supply needs, reach out to us. We'd love to help you find exactly what your restaurant needs to keep impressing your customers.

Thanks for being part of the Goodsmart family. Knowing that our hand-crafted products are helping your restaurant succeed makes every business trip, every late-night planning session, and every quality check worth it.

Here's to building bridges—between cultures, generations, and the craft that connects us all.