今天當Rocky、芯和我三人抵達位於西環石塘咀皇后大道西539號和發大厦地下4-6號舖的TGIF咖啡店做回訪時，我毫無頭緒用什麼角度去介紹這間餐廳會更有趣味性，但當掌管店務的Spike讓我們安頓下來及選點了心儀的咖啡後，我感覺到從名片上看到他的英文名字已代表著很多可以發掘的生涯經歷，Spike這名字在香港很少人選用，在西方社會就很受歡迎，意思包含著力量、尖銳、反彈能力等，我相信一定代表他對自己的要求！
Today, when Rocky, Sum and I arrived at TGIF Café, located at Shop 4-6, G/F, Wo Fat Building, 539 Queen’s Road West, Shek Tong Tsui, Sai Wan, for a follow-up visit, I was at a loss for how to introduce this restaurant in a more engaging way. However, once Spike, who manages the café, settled us in and we selected our desired coffees, I felt that his English name, as seen on his business card, represented many career experiences waiting to be explored. The name “Spike” is rarely chosen in Hong Kong but is quite popular in Western societies, symbolizing strength, sharpness, and resilience. I believe it reflects his high standards for himself!
餐廳設在兩條大路的轉角位，由港鐵香港大學站C2出口步行3分鐘就可抵達，很易找到。店內環境寬敞幽靜，室內佈置很具熱帶風情，好幾處放置適當的植物，感覺舒服，往外看陽光充沛而不刺眼，有很多張枱都有客人打開手提電腦在工作或開會，在場好像有附近香港大學師生在工作或課餘聊天。
The restaurant is situated at the corner of two major roads, just a 3-minute walk from the Hong Kong University MTR Station C2 exit, making it easy to find. The interior is spacious and quiet, decorated with a tropical flair, featuring several well-placed plants that create a comfortable atmosphere. Looking outside, the sunlight is abundant yet not glaring, and many tables are occupied by customers working or holding meetings with their laptops. It seems that nearby Hong Kong University students and faculty members are either working or chatting during their breaks.
話題離不開我向來對為餐廳定名原因的興趣，正如我所料，TGIF在他的名片的抬頭上清楚註明詳寫為”thank god its friday”，Spike解釋原意是按西方文化對生活壓力的輕鬆態度（”感謝上天已到週五”吧！），用作店名代表將這個輕鬆感伸延至全天候的意願，客人一進來就會感到輕鬆，”tgif” 商標上的”i”字頂部的豆點和詳寫中it’s的「’」都用「」符號取代，Spike説「」代表煙花的爆發，一剎間的光輝燦爛很快就消失，但會長留在回憶裡！ The conversation naturally turned to my long-standing interest in the reasons behind restaurant names. As I suspected, TGIF is clearly stated on his business card as “thank god it’s friday.” Spike explained that the original meaning reflects a relaxed attitude towards life’s pressures in Western culture (“thank goodness it’s Friday!”). Using this as the restaurant’s name represents their desire to extend this sense of relaxation throughout every day of the week. Customers feel at ease as soon as they enter. The “i” dot in the TGIF logo and the apostrophe in “it’s” are replaced with the symbol “”, which Spike said represents the burst of fireworks—brilliant for a moment but quickly fades, yet it remains in memory!
我們很感謝Spike最近續了約，繼續使用iCHEF系統，他亦借此機會介紹他們四個合夥人其中另外一位：負責餐廳廚藝菜式的阿倫（Alan）給我們認識，並同時要求我們加強系統餐牌上的點餐功能，令系統更完善，我們欣然接納了他的意見。
We are grateful that Spike recently renewed their contract to continue using the iCHEF system. He also took this opportunity to introduce us to one of their other partners, Alan, who is responsible for the restaurant’s culinary offerings, and he requested that we enhance the ordering function on the system’s menu to make it more comprehensive. We gladly accepted his suggestions.
他們提到近期為了應付經濟環境的下滑要全面改革餐單，刪除貴價的扒類菜式，引入多些有創意而迎合本地口味及更大眾化價錢的食品，效果不錯。目前最受歡迎的食品是全天早餐！我們在享用Flat White及Latte時，問Spike有什麼出色的下午茶食品可推介給我們品嚐，他說首選是自家製肉桂捲（cinnamon roll），配上自創的醬汁，我們就選點了一份給三個人一同分享，感覺到肉桂的味道洽到好處，與醬汁一起很合拍，令人回味無窮。
They mentioned that, due to the recent economic downturn, they needed to completely reform the menu, removing expensive steak dishes and introducing more creative options that cater to local tastes at more affordable prices. The results have been promising. Currently, the most popular item is All-day Breakfast! While enjoying Flat White and Latte, we asked Spike for recommendations of outstanding afternoon tea items, and he suggested their homemade cinnamon roll with a signature sauce. We ordered one to share among the three of us, and the cinnamon flavor was perfectly balanced, pairing wonderfully with the sauce, leaving us wanting more.
他們對系統的QR code點餐功能很欣賞，但不敢全面性讓它取代直接招待顧客，希望顧客能感受到有「生命」和有「溫度」的服務，這就是他們營運餐廳的文化，對象包括顧客和在店工作的員工，開心的員工才會開心地招待顧客，身為店長的Spike就是最重要的榜樣，他說很重視員工能享受工作環境，在工作壓力下亦有輕鬆的休息時間，更關注到他們的前途，不會刻意鼓勵他們另謀高就，但如他們真的遇到理想的下一份工作，會為他們高興而支持！
They appreciate the system’s QR code ordering feature but are hesitant to let it fully replace direct customer service, hoping that customers can still feel the “life” and “warmth” in their service. This is part of their restaurant’s culture, which includes both customers and employees. Happy employees will, in turn, happily serve customers. As the manager, Spike is a crucial role model; he emphasizes the importance of employees enjoying their work environment and having relaxed breaks even under pressure. He is also concerned about their futures—not pushing them to seek other jobs but supporting them if they find an ideal opportunity.
細看他們四位合夥人的功能分配，就明白他們對各功能的認真看待，樓面服務：Spike；廚房運作：阿倫 ；咖啡質素管理: Kyle；後台管理：阿恩。其他功能負責人包括品牌形象定位的Winston。
Looking closely at the roles of their four partners, it’s clear they take their responsibilities seriously: Spike handles floor service; Alan manages kitchen operations; Kyle oversees coffee quality; and Ah Yan is responsible for backend management. Other key roles include Winston, who focuses on brand positioning.
今天當班的有酒吧領班Gordon，廚師Jerry和侍應Fung，都是很可靠的拍檔，Spike花了個多小時輕鬆地與我們交談，沒有受到店的運行瑣碎事情影響，都是有賴這幾位同事的自動自覺地堅守崗位。
Today, the team included bar head Gordon, chef Jerry, and waiter Fung—all reliable partners. Spike spent over an hour casually chatting with us, undistracted by the restaurant’s operational details, thanks to the diligence of these colleagues.
回訪到此為止，帶著意猶未盡的心情我們同Spike説再見，期待著下一次聚會的來臨。
這次Spike放進我們心裡是他的金句：「盡做就得了，不要想太多！」Spike，非常感謝你。
With our follow-up visit coming to an end, we said goodbye to Spike with a sense of longing, looking forward to the next gathering.This time, Spike left us with his golden words: ‘Just do the best you can, don’t overthink!’ Thank you very much, Spike.
