Prompt Cast
Challenges and Successes of Running Taiwanese Restaurants in Los Angeles
TLDR Vivian Ku shares her journey of opening and running three Taiwanese restaurants in Los Angeles during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced, such as rising violence against Asian-Americans, and the creative solutions implemented to navigate the difficulties in the hospitality industry.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Business owner Vivian Ku discusses the challenges of running three Taiwanese restaurants in Los Angeles during the pandemic and reflects on the recent rise of violence against Asian-Americans.
03:45
Vivian Ku shares her journey of opening Taiwanese restaurants in Los Angeles, driven by a passion for her heritage and a desire to bring people together through food.
07:15
Vivian Ku's upbringing in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by agriculture, influenced her decision to enter the restaurant industry, driven by her love for food and the joy of feeding people.
10:45
Vivian Ku faced fears of failure and anxieties about opening her first restaurant, but with support from family and a push from her mom, she signed the lease and focused on making it successful.
14:28
Vivian Ku navigated the challenges of the pandemic by making tough decisions, constantly checking in with her team, and finding hope in the vaccination process despite the exhaustion and lack of recovery opportunities in the restaurant industry.
18:02
Vivian Ku opened a successful breakfast pop-up restaurant called Today Starts Here during the pandemic, allowing for experimentation and team development despite the challenges of the situation.
21:28
Vivian Ku believes in the potential of pop-up kitchens and creative solutions to make her restaurant thrive despite challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in the hospitality industry.
24:58
Vivian Ku focused on adapting her restaurant operations during the pandemic by implementing contactless systems, expanding delivery options, and prioritizing team morale to navigate the challenges as a leader.
Categories:
Business
