Jeff Gao was born in 1976 in Shandong, China. He grew up during the end of the cultural revolution and thus did not have an abundant amount of food to eat or experience. He was fond of hand pulled noodles and eventually followed a chef for two weeks to learn the dish. He learned the importance of broth. This inspired him to study in Beijing, where he had the opportunity to try food from all over the world. His perspective on food changed from its survival purposes to its role as a social activity. Little Yunnan was the first restaurant that Gao opened in Beijing, near Forbidden City. The restaurant brought him success and fame in the food industry, it was named one of the best restaurants in China. Gao eventually opened another restaurant in Boulder, Colorado. Through school and work, Gao emphasized the importance of marinating food and picking fresh ingredients. Slow cooking and steaming are his prominent cooking practices. He believes in a future of authentic Chinese food in the States and hopes for a change.