In the competitive world of startups, where pressure is high and talent is key, leaders are constantly searching for the edge that transforms a good team into a great one. While many opt for flashy perks, one Los Angeles-based CEO has found remarkable success with a surprisingly simple, yet costly, ritual: investing heavily in shared meals.
The $3000 Weekly Ritual That Builds More Than Appetites
John Hu, the CEO of a Los Angeles startup, makes a significant financial commitment to his team's cohesion every week. He spends nearly $3,000, which translates to approximately ₹2,70,450, on lunches for his 30-person team. This isn't an occasional treat but a core part of the company's operational rhythm. Hu has publicly declared this expense his "best investment," a sentiment he shared on Instagram alongside visuals of his team bonding over food.
He argues that these regular, shared meals are far from casual eats. They are deliberately woven into the daily workflow to boost closeness, smooth operations, and build a level of trust and creativity that spreadsheets can never quantify. For a lean startup team, this investment in human connection is seen as a critical driver of performance.
Culture Beyond Ping Pong Tables
In his social media posts, Hu makes a clear distinction between superficial perks and genuine culture-building. "The brutal truth? A high-performance culture IS a feel-good culture... for the right people," he wrote. He explicitly states that culture isn't about ping pong tables or unlimited paid time off (PTO). Instead, it's about "creating an environment where the best people can do their best work."
For Hu, buying lunch is a tangible action that falls squarely into that philosophy. By skipping flashy extras, he prioritises a setup where talent can genuinely grow and collaborate. The focus is on creating an atmosphere where people feel heard, valued, and connected, which in turn allows them to perform at their peak.
The Tangible Payoff of Shared Meals
So, why does this substantial weekly outlay pay off? Hu credits the investment entirely to "the people who make everything possible." The shared, relaxed time around the table is designed to foster rock-solid trust and loyalty, transforming a regular group of employees into a cohesive powerhouse.
He believes this directly contributes to his startup's growth, enabling his 30-person team to punch way above their weight when competing against much larger companies. The energy and spirit built during these lunches translate into improved collaboration and results, proving that the return on investment (ROI) is measured in team spirit and output, not just rupees saved.
The strategy has resonated widely on social media. One commenter applauded, "If they have to ask what the ROI is, they don’t get it!" Another shared a personal experience: "I used to manage a team of 80 people, sitting down with them for lunch... was some of the best investment of time I made there. You are nothing without your team, and you are unstoppable when they feel heard and valued."
John Hu's own background lends weight to his approach. His LinkedIn profile lists a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB). He began his career as an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs in 2016 before launching his own startup in LA in 2021, where he now serves as CEO.
His story underscores a growing recognition in the business world: in fast-paced professional environments, real connections forged over shared moments can be a more powerful driver of success than any policy document or expensive office gadget.
