兩年多前第一次拜訪這個鋪位，是在裝修期間，見到阿水（Water）親力親為在處理一般會由裝修技工擔任的工作，在不到200呎的空間裡，Rocky同我站著做了一個簡單易明的demo，阿水對我們的信任很明顯，他說會跟兩位合資夥伴溝通然後才能作實，希望我們能配合快將開業的日期前完成安裝。還記得當天我們仍未來得及食午飯，demo後按他推介到對面的茶餐廳享用了簡單的湯麵，點甜點蛋撻時想起請他過來一同品嚐，而他亦爽快地跑了過來，邊食邊談他與同伴的創業大計。當時很羨慕他們的雄心勃勃和青春活力，預祝他們的光輝歲月即將開始！印象最深刻是兩個星期後我們應邀參加「鮨戶」開業切燒豬儀式，與他們的親朋戚友一起分享美味的燒豬肉！
More than two years ago, during the renovation period, it was my first visit to this shop. I saw Water personally handling tasks that are usually done by construction workers. In the space of less than 200 square feet, Rocky and I stood and did a simple and clear demo. Water’s trust in us was evident. He mentioned that he needed to discuss with his two business partners before finalizing anything. He hoped that we could cooperate to complete the installation before the opening date. I remember that day we hadn’t had lunch yet, so after the demo, following his recommendation, we went to the opposite tea restaurant and had a simple noodle soup. When we ordered dessert egg tarts, I thought of inviting him to join us, and he gladly came over. While eating, he shared his entrepreneurial plans with us. I admired their ambition and youthful energy and wished them a bright future!
這外賣店地點是屯門良德街9號盈豐園商場1樓B59C號舖。過去兩年我一直沒有忘記他們創業的熱誠，亦一直在擔心他們能否應付下滑經濟環境的衝擊。這星期終於找到充份理由約了Rocky一同去做回訪看個究竟。
The takeaway store is located at Shop B59C, 1/F, Goodrich Garden Shopping Arcade, 9 Leung Tak Street, Tuen Mun. I have not forgotten their enthusiasm for entrepreneurship over the past two years and have been concerned about whether they could cope with the impact of the declining economic environment. Finally, this week I found a good reason to make an appointment with Rocky to revisit and see how they are doing.
記憶中這外賣店的所在商場在田景輕鐵站附近，由屯門港鐵站轉輕鐵505只八個站就到目的地，今次我是自己乘車來的，比Rocky早了45分鐘，有充裕時間同店家傾談及選購美食。由於早已認識阿水，很快就再次熟落起來，與合資夥伴阿華亦雀躍地與我交談，分享他們經營業務的甜酸苦辣，另一位合資夥伴阿文今天休假，我們緣慳一面了。 我老實不客氣地問可否在他們工作間點餐享用，很高興他們沒反對，我就點了一份海膽碎蔥托羅茸手卷再加一份刺身併盤，都是阿華親手砌出來就立刻遞到我面前的，彷如在正統高級壽司店的omakase廚師在招待我，食材水準亦非常到家，他們保持食物質素及新鮮度真有一手！
As far as I can remember, the shopping arcade where this takeaway store is located is near the Tin King Light Rail Station. From Tuen Mun MTR Station, transferring to Light Rail 505, it’s only eight stops to the destination. This time, I found my way there myself and arrived 45 minutes earlier than Rocky. I had plenty of time to talk to the shop owners and choose some delicious food. Since I already knew Water, we quickly caught up with each other. His business partner, Ah Wah, was also excited to chat with me, sharing the ups and downs of running their business. Another business partner, Ah Man, was off today, so we missed each other. I asked if I could dine in their workspace without hesitation, and I was glad they agreed. I ordered a sea urchin and chopped green onion toro hand roll as well as a sashimi platter. Ah Wah personally prepared them and served them to me immediately, as if an omakase chef at a traditional high-end sushi restaurant was hosting me. The quality of the ingredients was excellent, and the freshness was top-notch. They truly maintained the quality and freshness of their food!
邊食邊傾的過程中，感覺到他們的創業初心並沒有動搖，縱使目前生意仍未如理想，有些月份不夠收入發薪水給合夥三人，他們仍沒有放棄經營這店的念頭。兩年多前決定離開就業市場合資開創壽司外賣店，看好疫情期間一眾街坊對外賣的需求，疫情時期的生意很不錯，想不到疫情後竟然沒有預期的經濟復甦，生意增長強差人意。目前，他們會繼續設法改善業務，包括啟動iCHEF系統的會員管理功能及加強線上遙遠訂餐及付款用量等。
During our chat over the meal, I felt that their initial entrepreneurial spirit remained strong. Even though their business is not as ideal as they hoped, with some months not generating enough income to pay salaries to the three partners, they have not given up on running the store. Over two years ago, they decided to leave the job market and start a sushi takeaway store together, foreseeing the demand for takeout during the pandemic. Business was good during the pandemic, but unexpectedly, there was no anticipated economic recovery afterwards, and business growth fell short of expectations. Currently, they are striving to improve their business, including activating the membership management feature of the iCHEF system and enhancing online ordering and payment volume.
Rocky抵達後，我們再點了下午茶套餐，並與兩位討論並示範怎樣利用會員管理功能，並分享在他們附近的仙桃居店家Franco利用會員功能提升營業額的心得[Franco最近在iCHEF香港慶祝10週年活動中演講，分享他成功擴展會員計劃的方案，說明不介意傳授與其他店家！］他們會找機會過去拜訪他親自取經！
After Rocky arrived, we ordered an afternoon tea set and discussed and demonstrated how to use the membership management feature with the two partners. We also shared insights from Franco, a nearby shop owner of “Stk105 Xian Tao Ju”, who utilized the membership feature to increase sales [Franco recently spoke at the 10th anniversary event of iCHEF Hong Kong, sharing his successful expansion of the membership program and indicating his willingness to share with other shop owners]. They plan to visit Franco soon to learn directly from him!
閒談中問他們有沒有計劃開分店，他們說有此念頭，但肯定要動用龐大資金，目前仍不是合適時間，我們就建議他們考慮利用我們熟悉銀行的中小企借貸計劃，舒緩自己的投資壓力及改善現金轉流，可能認為不可能的事會變得可能呢！
During our conversation, I asked if they had plans to open a branch. They said they had thought about it but would definitely require a large amount of capital, and now is not the right time. We suggested that they consider using the SME loan program that we are familiar with at the bank to ease their investment pressure and improve cash flow. Sometimes, what seems impossible can become possible!
就此祝願他們生意蒸蒸日上，快將踏進創業的下一階段！
With that, I wish them great success in their business and look forward to them stepping into the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey!
