From Shanghai to Houston: Building Community Through Food Innovation

When a customer walked into Wen’s first Juicewell location in 2014, she didn’t mention the ovarian tumor. For 90 days, she followed his recommendations—consuming Wen’s carefully crafted, cold-pressed combinations. Only after her doctor couldn’t find the tumor did she share her story. “That’s when I realized this wasn’t just about selling juice,” Wen recalls. “This was about building relationships that could transform lives.”

This focus on human connection has defined Wen’s entrepreneurial journey from the beginning. “No people, no story,” he says, distilling the passion that has made him a pioneering figure in the Houston food scene into four simple words.

Today, Wen has expanded Juicewell to four locations across Houston. His companies are re-imagining food production and building wellness hubs across the city. He’s the man responsible for introducing the city’s first acai bowl and its first certified gluten-free bakery, Leven Bakery & Cafe. 

Born in Shanghai in 1980, Wen’s path to becoming a Houston food innovator wasn’t obvious. Arriving in the U.S. in 1999, he immersed himself in a new culture while pursuing his education at the prestigious Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston. Even as he balanced full-time studies with full-time work at Marriott, Wen excelled academically, making the dean’s list while learning the intricacies of the food service industry through various restaurant jobs. 

Wen’s upbringing in Shanghai gave him a relationship with food that most Americans lack. There, fresh food and communal markets were staples of daily life. “Most food is made from scratch,” he explains. “It just made sense to me.” This perspective gave Wen a unique ability to identify gaps in the American food landscape. But it was his boundless energy and keen mathematical skills that made his vision a reality.  

In 2014, when he launched Juicewell, he envisioned more than just a business—he wanted to create a community centered around wellness. Juicewell locations quickly became hubs for people who shared a commitment to health and connection. “As an immigrant, building these relationships and watching kids grow up in our spaces makes me feel like I truly belong in this community,” Wen reflects.

Now, Wen has partnered with Helium Capital to scale the Juicewell brand across the country. One of the newest locations will be an expanded concept called Sustain Market, designed as a community hub where food knowledge and traditions can be shared across generations. “When you gather around good food,” Wen says, “you’re not just sharing a meal—you’re sharing stories, traditions, and a way of life.”

Throughout his journey, Wen has remained an energetic and empathetic leader. Former employees praise his attention to detail, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine interest in their lives. Customers describe him as a trusted advisor who remembers their preferences and takes time to ask about their families.

This unique combination of visionary ambition and pragmatic execution has made Wen a key figure in Houston’s food scene. Yet, for him, it always comes back to people. Whether mentoring employees, advising customers on their wellness journeys, or planning his next venture, his focus remains on building connections that strengthen the community.

“We’re not just serving food and drinks,” he says. “We’re creating spaces where people can come together, feel cared for, and become part of something larger than themselves.”