Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Dong.
Stephen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I immigrated to this country, I give up my medical education even I held a receiving a BS degree in medicine from a university in China. It requires much more training in US to practice medical. I chose to work for restaurants. I have to make a living and worked literally in each position in a restaurant.
Gradually, I noticed most Asian restaurants cannot compete with main stream restaurant as they focus too much on cost cutting. I decided to raise capital and build a restaurant with top architecture and ambient, best chef and food, and diligent management and services.
After a while, I found my ideal location in Chelmsford, right off the juncture of Route 495 and US 3. Quality, taste and style. With such goals in mind, Feng Shui opened to public in 2007 and served over a million meals since then, and earned over 10,000 likes on its Facebook page. In retrospect, I am quite satisfied with my off track career to see satisfied customers keep coming.
Has it been a smooth road?
No business is ease. Feng Shui Hibachi Sushi Lounge was planned for two floors. When we completed the renovation of the first floor of the building, we also depleted the fund we raised. No bank would assist such a venture. We had to put the second floor on hold and open the first floor first. Luckily, the opening was a success and cash flows came in to support the renovation on the second floor. Two year later, our dream Hibachi offering opened to public.
We have always wanted to open our outdoor terrace. However, our application were rejected twice as a result parking constraints.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Feng Shui Hibachi Sushi Lounge story. Tell us more about the business.
Since then, Feng Shui opened stores in Cohasset, Tyngsboro, and Waltham. Over time, we tried smaller scale, and even a takeout. In the end, we found it is most rewarding to open a medium size and upscale restaurants. The scale itself helps us to replenish our inventories quickly. Customers praise our food freshness: “Feng Shui Sushi simply melts in mouth.” Not only for sushi, we always rely on Sysco to provide highest grade of filet mignon and steak, and Asian suppliers for fresh grocery.
With the most reliable food ingredients, our chef then design and prepare the carving dishes. With over 13,000 square feet, we offer a balance of great selections between Hibachi, Sushi and Chinese. Last year, we added Chinese Hometown Style menu. Our daily lunch buffet provide a convenient and decent work meal with over 40 items.
Our customers pour their praise over feng Shui. One time, a customer described “Feng Shui Coconut Shrimp” as scrumptious. Scrumptious? I had to look up for is meaning, but I knew it was good.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
People are ever more time sensitive and healthy sensitive. As Jack Ma put it: our grandparent generation worked 16 hours a day, they were busy; our generation works eight hours a day, we are busy; the next generation may work 4 hours a day; and they will be busy. It is very important to provide healthy food and a prompt service.
Pricing:
- FENG SHUI MAKI $16
- 辣 JALAPENO MAKI $16
- 辣STEAK IN CHILI SAUCE|水煮牛肉 $18
- COCONUT SHRIMP|风水椰子虾 $16
- BEIJING DUCK Half $23
- HIBACHI CHICKEN $18
- HIBACHI FILET MIGNON $27
- Feng Shui Mai Tai $8.95
- Daily lunch buffet 12.95 (weekends with dim sum $15.50)
- Sunday seafood and steak dinner buffet $21.95
Contact Info:
- Address: 285 Chelmsford St
Chelmsford, MA 01824 - Website: www.gofengshui.com
- Phone: 978-250-8888
- Email: gofengshui@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FengShuiChelmsford/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/feng-shui-chelmsford
- Other: https://www.groupon.com/deals/feng-shui-chelmsford-1
Image Credit:
Frank Zhang
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