Meet Derrick Lam of ABC Cafe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Lam.

Hi Derrick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
ABC cafe opened almost 15 years ago. I took over the business just about 5 years ago when my aunt and uncle were ready to retire. Before taking over abc cafe, I had worked in the restaurant industry since I was 16 years old. I graduated at JCCC through their Chef apprenticeship program. During that time, I worked in various hotels. I was a Sous chef for Aramark at the Overland Park Convention Center before I was given the opportunity to take over the restaurant and become my own boss.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running and managing my own business has its extreme highs and lows. Some of the struggles I’ve faced in the past included running a business during the pandemic. Having to operate a restaurant while complying with social distancing guidelines and face masks required adjustments with the way the restaurant operated. Also the shift we made from being 70% dine in restaurant to 40% dine in and the other 60% shifting to carryout and delivery orders.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
ABC cafe is a Cantonese diner specializing in all day dimsum, traditional Hong Kong cuisine like stir fry, noodles, soups and dumplings. We offer a wide menu that should have something for everyone. Abc cafe is meant to be eaten family style meaning the food that is ordered is best when it’s shared with the whole table. Dimsum consists of 3-5 bites and pieces which allows you to get a taste of many different items and try new dishes. We encourage guests to try a little bit of everything, that ways they don’t feel the need to order a plate of fried rice and having to finish it all to by themselves.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Always having a smile to be approachable and not being afraid of meeting new people. There’s plenty of new relationships I’ve created at the restaurant just by smiling and introducing myself to guests. Food is a great way to connect with people. Everyone has some sort of food they like and don’t like so working in a restaurant makes it easy to start a conversation.

Pricing:

• Siu mai $4.50
• Wonton noodle soup $10.95
• Beef chow fun $16.95
• House Special Fried rice $15.95

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.abccafeks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abc_cafeop/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100066678615754/