Fannie Wang and her business partner launched Ricemill in downtown Phoenix with a clear mission: to bring the essence of everyday Asian cooking into a modern, approachable dining experience. Located at 201 E Washington Street, Suite 111, the fast-casual concept recently opened and is already turning heads with its vibrant, flavor-forward bowls that prioritize freshness and balance. Each meal is built with nutrient-rich ingredients—think crisp vegetables, lean proteins, and thoughtfully chosen grains—designed to satisfy without compromise. Their sleek, inviting space was crafted to welcome both quick weekday lunches and more intentional sit-down meals, bridging the gap between convenience and culinary care.
Wang’s vision for Ricemill is deeply rooted in her own culinary upbringing and professional journey. After years of honing her skills in high-end kitchens, she realized her passion lay not just in fine dining but in creating food that felt personal and meaningful to a wider community. Inspired by her grandmother’s handmade noodles—humble, heartfelt dishes that carried generations of tradition—Wang wanted to craft something both nourishing and nostalgic. That same spirit defines Ricemill: food that’s rich in flavor, grounded in heritage, and adapted for today’s pace, aiming to be as comforting as it is exciting.
What Now Media Group recently interviewed Fannie Wang to learn more about her journey and progress since the concept opened.
Q: How did you get into the industry? Did you always know you wanted to own a business?
A: Our journey into the restaurant industry began with a shared vision: creating a dining experience that celebrates the vibrant diversity of Asian cuisine as an integral part of everyday life. We saw an opportunity to showcase the fresh, balanced elements fundamental to these cooking traditions while adapting them to fit contemporary rhythms and preferences.
At Ricemill, we balance bold Asian flavors with nutritional mindfulness—featuring colorful vegetables, quality proteins, and thoughtful bases for every bowl. Our bright, efficient space reflects this same philosophy: welcoming for daily visits while also designed to make each meal special.
For me personally, I’ve always known I wanted to build something of my own. As a professionally trained chef with experience in Michelin-awarded kitchens, I loved the craft, but I craved a different kind of impact. I wanted to create something more accessible. To me, the ultimate comfort food will always be the hand-pulled noodles my grandma used to make—simple, soulful, and full of love.
This essential spirit infuses every bowl at Ricemill: approachable food with vibrant Asian flavors, crafted with intention and care, designed to become a natural extension of your regular dining routine.
Q: Where did the idea for the business come from?
A: The inspiration for Ricemill springs from cherished memories shared by our four co-founders: Fannie, Harry, Chef Yiyi, and Jin. We cherish memories of family gatherings, where the aroma of rice bowls prepared by our grandmas filled the air. These moments of warmth and shared values taught us that food is more than sustenance – it’s a heartfelt expression of love and togetherness.
Guided by these memories, we embarked on a culinary adventure across Asia. Chef Yiyi, having honed her skills at both a 3-Michelin-Star and a 2-Michelin-Star restaurant, brings unparalleled expertise to the table. At Ricemill, this vision comes to life through dishes like our Seoul Garlic Chicken bowl and Shanghai-style steak bowl—recipes that celebrate familiar flavors while introducing something fresh and exciting. Each menu item is a celebration of culture, crafted with ingredients that honor the past and embrace the future.
Q: How have things been going since you opened?
A: We officially opened our doors on March 22nd, 2025, and since day one, we’ve been incredibly grateful for the warm welcome from the downtown Phoenix community. Many are excited to have a fresh, healthy dining option in the area, and they appreciate the flexibility of our build-your-own menu. It keeps their experience interesting and encourages them to return regularly to try different combinations.
Our downtown location has proven to be a perfect fit for Ricemill’s mission. The diverse mix of professionals, students, locals, and visitors creates an energetic atmosphere and provides valuable feedback as we continue to refine our offerings. We’re seeing regular faces becoming part of our community—people who stop by multiple times a week and bring their colleagues and friends.
Seeing the community respond so positively to what we’re building has been both humbling and motivating. Every satisfied customer reinforces our commitment to celebrating the rich diversity of Asian culinary heritage while creating a fresh approach to fast-casual dining that fits naturally into people’s everyday lives.
Q: What’s the most challenging part about opening a business?
A: One of the biggest challenges in launching a new business, especially a fresh concept like Ricemill, is establishing our identity in a crowded marketplace and helping people understand what makes us unique. It’s not just about serving food; it’s about connecting our guests to the story behind our menu, the intentionality of our ingredients, and the cultural heritage we honor through every bowl we serve.
Building a lasting brand is never easy, and it’s particularly challenging when introducing Asian cuisine in a fast-casual format that breaks traditional boundaries. While Asian food is beloved in many ways, bringing it into an accessible, customizable model requires pioneering a new path in the dining landscape. Changing that perception takes time. It requires consistency, trust, and a genuine relationship with our customers.
That said, we’re confident. By staying true to our mission and continuing to deliver high-quality food and thoughtful service every day, we believe Ricemill will become the go-to choice for the communities we serve.
Q: What do you think is the most rewarding part about opening a business?
A: The most rewarding part by far is seeing our customers’ reactions—those big smiles, the head nods of approval when they take their first bite. It’s incredibly fulfilling to hear someone say, “This is the healthiest Asian food I’ve ever had,” or having a visitor tell us, “I wish we had a Ricemill back home.”
Even more meaningful is when our own team gets excited about the food, sharing which combos they love most and genuinely recommending them to guests. These moments validate everything we’ve worked for. They confirm we’re not just serving meals—we’re crafting an experience that resonates with people on a deeper level, and that connection is what fuels our passion every single day.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like people to know?
A: Come visit Ricemill at 201 E Washington Street, Suite 111, in downtown Phoenix—right next to the Phoenix Suns Arena.
We offer catering for offices, events, and private parties of all sizes. Whether it’s a team lunch or a large gathering, we’ve got you covered. For catering inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
We’ve thoughtfully crafted our menu to welcome everyone to the table. With a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, we’re committed to accommodating diverse dietary preferences without compromising on flavor or experience.
