How doing things differently in a family business can result in success | Peter Cho | TEDxPortland

Summary

The speaker shares his journey of transforming a hidden garage space into a family-run restaurant called Han Oak in Portland. He discusses the philosophy of 'place first', prioritizing the environment over business models, and the importance of community. He reflects on his past in the high-pressure restaurant industry, the impact of his mother's illness, and the decision to create a space that combines family life with a unique dining experience. The narrative highlights the challenges and rewards of balancing personal values with entrepreneurial aspirations.

Takeaways

• 🏠 The speaker and his wife run a unique business called Hon Oak, which is both their home and their restaurant, located in a hidden courtyard in Northeast Portland.
• 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Their business operates with a strong family-oriented approach, integrating their personal lives with their professional ones, even having their children present in the restaurant.
• 🍽️ Despite initial struggles and unconventional beginnings, they have managed to create a community around their home, turning regular customers into friends and family.
• 🌱 The concept of 'place first' was pivotal in their journey, emphasizing the importance of the environment they create over the business model they pursue.
• 👨‍🍳 The speaker's background includes a significant tenure as a chef in high-profile restaurants in New York, which provided a foundation in culinary excellence but also led to personal epiphanies about work-life balance.
• 🏆 His mentor's nomination for the James Beard Awards and the subsequent realizations about the sacrifices made by chefs in the industry influenced his approach to his own business.
• 🚑 A personal health crisis within the family, with the speaker's mother being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, led to a reevaluation of priorities and a move back to Portland.
• 🤝 The business was started with the support of friends and family, and the space was found through a serendipitous connection on Craigslist, highlighting the importance of community and collaboration.
• 👶 The restaurant's operations are designed to accommodate the needs of the family, including being open only a few days a week and creating a supportive environment for staff.
• 🏡 The physical space of Hon Oak, once a real estate developer's family home, has been transformed into a place that combines the speaker's passion for cooking with his desire to be present for his family.
• 📈 The speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work, learning, and creating a space where one wants to be, suggesting that these are the foundations for a successful and fulfilling business.

Q & A

What is the name of the place owned by the speaker and his wife?

The place owned by the speaker and his wife is called Hon Oak.

Why does the speaker describe the location of Hon Oak as challenging to find?

The speaker describes the location as challenging because it is situated in a hidden courtyard, accessible only through an unmarked set of doors at the back of a parking lot in Northeast Portland.

What is unique about the business model of Hon Oak?

Hon Oak's unique business model is that it operates as a family home and a restaurant, with the business being an integral part of their home life, and the home being the center of their business.

How often was Hon Oak initially open when it first started?

Hon Oak was initially open only two days a week when it first started.

What was the speaker's background before starting Hon Oak?

Before starting Hon Oak, the speaker had a background in cooking, working his way up from a fry cook to head chef in various restaurants, including a Michelin-starred establishment and the Breslin in the Ace Hotel.

What significant life event led the speaker to reevaluate his career and move back to Portland?

The speaker's mother being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer was the significant life event that led him to reevaluate his career and move back to Portland to be with her.

What is the 'Place First' philosophy mentioned by the speaker?

The 'Place First' philosophy is the idea that the environment and community created by a business should be the priority, rather than the business model itself. It emphasizes creating a space where people feel at home and valued.

How did the speaker's wife influence the concept of Hon Oak?

The speaker's wife influenced the concept of Hon Oak by suggesting a collaborative workspace, a Test Kitchen, and a gathering place for friends and family, which led to the idea of a family restaurant that is also a home.

What was the initial reaction of the speaker when he first saw the location for Hon Oak?

The speaker was initially skeptical and thought it might be a scam when he first saw the location for Hon Oak, as it was listed on Craigslist and seemed too good to be true.

How does the speaker describe the evolution of Hon Oak?

The speaker describes the evolution of Hon Oak as organic and work in progress, allowing it to grow as much as their family can handle, with plans for future developments like a tiki bar and a ceramic studio.

What advice does the speaker give to those starting a new business?

The speaker advises new business owners to put in the time and do the work to build a strong foundation, learn the right way, possibly by learning the wrong way to discover their own path, and to build a place where they want to be, which others will likely want to be part of as well.