diff --git a/torchchat/generate.py b/torchchat/generate.py
index fcae18d87..4a67195fb 100644
--- a/torchchat/generate.py
+++ b/torchchat/generate.py
@@ -591,6 +591,7 @@ def generate(
             Dict[str, Any]
         ] = None,  # List of Image prompt tensors for multimodal models
         start_pos: int = 0,
+        skip_cache_setup: bool = False,
         draft_model: Model,
         speculate_k: Optional[int] = 8,
         sequential_prefill=True,
@@ -614,26 +615,27 @@ def generate(
         max_new_tokens = min(max_new_tokens, max_seq_length - start_pos - prompt_length)
         # set up caches only if first inference
         if start_pos == 0:
-            model = model.to(device=device)
-            with torch.device(device):
-                if (
-                    self.is_torchtune_model
-                    or self.model.config.model_type == ModelType.Flamingo
-                ):
-                    # 6404 is one-gpu affordable max_seq_length for single image input
-                    model.setup_caches(
-                        batch_size=1,
-                        dtype=self.dtype,
-                        encoder_max_seq_len=6404,
-                        decoder_max_seq_len=max_seq_length,
-                    )
-                else:
-                    model.setup_caches(max_batch_size=1, max_seq_length=max_seq_length)
-                if is_speculative and draft_model is not model:
-                    draft_model.setup_caches(
-                        max_batch_size=1,
-                        max_seq_length=max_seq_length,
-                    )
+            if not skip_cache_setup:
+                model = model.to(device=device)
+                with torch.device(device):
+                    if (
+                        self.is_torchtune_model
+                        or self.model.config.model_type == ModelType.Flamingo
+                    ):
+                        # 6404 is one-gpu affordable max_seq_length for single image input
+                        model.setup_caches(
+                            batch_size=1,
+                            dtype=self.dtype,
+                            encoder_max_seq_len=6404,
+                            decoder_max_seq_len=max_seq_length,
+                        )
+                    else:
+                        model.setup_caches(max_batch_size=1, max_seq_length=max_seq_length)
+                    if is_speculative and draft_model is not model:
+                        draft_model.setup_caches(
+                            max_batch_size=1,
+                            max_seq_length=max_seq_length,
+                        )
             if model.config.model_type == ModelType.Flamingo:
                 model.reset_caches()
 
@@ -1013,6 +1015,7 @@ def chat(
         )
         for i in range(num_samples):
             device_sync(device=self.builder_args.device)
+            is_first_sample: bool = i == 0
             if generator_args.chat_mode:
                 prompt = input("User: ")
                 if prompt == "/bye":
@@ -1038,7 +1041,7 @@ def chat(
                             ]
                         )
                         self.system_prompt = None
-                    elif i == 0:
+                    elif is_first_sample:
                         encoded = self.chat_formatter.encode_dialog_prompt(
                             [{"role": "user", "content": prompt}]
                         )
@@ -1107,6 +1110,7 @@ def callback(x, *, done_generating=False):
                     top_k=generator_args.top_k,
                     sequential_prefill=generator_args.sequential_prefill,
                     start_pos=start_pos,
+                    skip_cache_setup=not is_first_sample,
                     max_seq_length=max_seq_length,
                 )
                 for token_tensor, metrics in generator_func:
@@ -1116,7 +1120,7 @@ def callback(x, *, done_generating=False):
                     if metrics is not None:
                         aggregate_metrics.update(metrics)
                     yield token_tensor, metrics
-            jit_compile = (i == 0) and (
+            jit_compile = is_first_sample and (
                 generator_args.compile or generator_args.compile_prefill
             )
             compilation_time = time.perf_counter() - t0