Alumni Spotlight: A Legacy in Food and Faith

For Jennifer Cheung-Navejas ’11, Abilene isn’t just where her story began—it’s where she’s built something extraordinary. In a world where only 34.6% of restaurants survive the 10-year mark, Jennifer’s Hashi Teppan Grill has not only endured but also expanded, becoming a beloved staple in both north and south Abilene.

Jennifer poses for a photo as she prepares for a catering with Food Theorie.

Along with a now-thriving catering business, Food Theorie, you can find Jennifer greeting each customer she encounters with a smile and a desire to bring them high-quality food and service—all while juggling life as a working mom of three young children.

Her journey—from biology major to business owner—is a testament to trusting God’s timing, leaning into her roots, and building a legacy that nourishes more than just appetites.

A Cooper High School graduate, Jennifer arrived at Hardin-Simmons University with two goals: to play tennis alongside her high school sweetheart and earn a degree in biology. But her story shifted dramatically thanks to what she calls a “God moment.”

“I started as a biology major, but I hated it,” Jennifer said, laughing. “I don’t like being alone, and I felt like I spent all my time by myself studying. It was competitive, and I felt isolated. I knew after my first semester that it wasn’t for me.”

She quickly pivoted to accounting, drawn by her love for people and problem-solving.

Jennifer went on to build what she thought would be a solid career in finance, working first for State Farm and later for Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union. But the rhythm of a traditional 9-to-5 never quite fit.

“I remember taking a walk one day, feeling completely lost,” she said. “And in that quiet moment, God reminded me of what I really loved—food, people,

Jennifer and her team celebrated a decade long of business with Hashi Teppan Grill in December 2024.

and creating community.”

That love ran deep. From 1996 to 2012, Jennifer’s family owned one of Abilene’s most beloved Japanese restaurants, Fuji’s. Growing up in the industry, Jennifer had learned early how food could bring people together. So, when an opportunity opened with Panda Express, she jumped in.

Jennifer and her husband Emmanuel were married at Logsdon Chapel in May of 2013.

“Panda Express was like a boot camp,” Jennifer said. “I learned everything from labor costs to portion control—things I never knew helping my parents run a mom-and-pop shop. It wasn’t just food service training. They taught us how to lead, manage people, and even how to build wealth. I still remember the VP saying, ‘You’ll never feel financially ready, but sometimes you just have to jump.’ It was intense, but it taught me how to run a business.”

Known for her relentless work ethic within the Abilene business community, it won’t come as a surprise that Jennifer quickly climbed the ranks to become a district manager. But the rapid rise came with a cost.

“I was weeding flower beds outside a store one day and thought, ‘Why am I working this hard for someone else’s dream?’” she said.

Jennifer shared that she “felt like she was living out of her car,” balancing a demanding career of 60-plus hours a week while juggling life as a newlywed.

With unwavering support from her parents and her husband, Emmanuel, Jennifer took a leap of faith. She opened Hashi Teppan Grill, a fast-casual Japanese restaurant that combined her business skills with her culinary roots.

Jennifer and her team at the annual Taste of Abilene event showcasing the food at Hashi Teppan Grill.

Behind the scenes, Emmanuel has been her rock, helping provide stability while being a partner she can lean on. Together, they’ve built a life grounded in faith, family, and purpose.

Jennifer credits her HSU experience with laying the groundwork for her business journey.

“I’ll never forget Dr. John Hill talking about teaching his kids how to manage money,” she recalled. “That stuck with me, and now I pass those lessons on to my team.”

Looking ahead, Jennifer remains focused on serving the Abilene community—one meal at a time.

“I just want to keep doing what I love,” she said. “The business world is unpredictable, but I love my customers and feeding people. That’s what keeps me going.”