Meet Jonathan Wong | Aspires to Inspire

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Wong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It was time. Uncle Frank said “Don’t be a man with too many knives in his pocket and none of them sharp!” Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. My cousin Jason and I had just finished opportunity and this amazing opportunity came available!

What should our readers know about your business?
~How did you get~ Our restaurant journey was a struggle. Yes, we did grow up in the Trey Yuen restaurant business.. But things do not always go exactly as planned. We started out as a seafood buffet midway through our first year, business started to decline. At the end of our first year, Hurricane Katrina hit. Which forced us all to reevaluate and make some changes, which led us to change our model from buffet.. to full menu with a sushi bar, instead of oyster bar.

~Lessons learned along the way~
Takes a team.
Takes reflection, direction, and action.
Have to learn to take care of yourself first.
Learn to trust.
Have the courage to communicate.
Know how to communicate.
Communicate expectations.
Expect a high standard.
Show grace and compassion when others are receiving first time instruction.

~World to know..~
People are good. A person is a person through another person. Each day we have the opportunity to show up and meet people where they are. It’s true that there’s someone out there, waiting to meet someone like you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
~People, Places, Things~

We’d meet mom and dad, brother Christopher, wife (Trang) and kids (Clara and John Van), FitFam (Outdoor Community Fitness Group), Crewe of 5 (Men’s Group), visit the Tangipahoa Chamber and our great University. Introduce you to my colleagues at work!

Red White and Brew to grab a drink. Mariners Inn is one of the oldest restaurants and has a nice cozy feel. We’d go for many walks, one of those workouts, and a Zone 2 Run. Head out to Solomon Episcopol Center for some peace, solitude, and re-centering.

Alligator Farm, Raw Oysters, eat some Gumbo, have sushi at Cate Street. Go to a few Southeastern Athletics games.. at the moment probably Basketball, Softball, Baseball. Have some conversation on life go to know each other and what matters most.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Dad – for his wisdom, generosity, and being a guiding light for doing good business

Mom – for her smile, consistent nurture, and giving us an amazing childhood of sports and activity

Trang (Wife) – I am lucky to spend time in outreach because of her love and support. I’m grateful to have someone that works even harder now at our relationship than when we first started dating. Trang is an amazing mother, daughter, sister, friend, wife; and is a potion to everyone she meets.

Christopher – Christopher is selfless. He listens, and gives great feedback that helps me reach goals while staying true and authentic

Mikey Doucet – Mikey helps me understand how to be a friend. We have very different backgrounds and have learned how to navigate the highs and lows of the sea.

Steven Tran – Steve is my go to guy for relationship advice. He gets to know people quick with his easy going and enthusiastic persona. Steve also gives great advice coming from 10+ years of hospitality; and now close to 10+ years in the dental management businesss.

John Van – Made us parents. When he was around 2 years old.. I asked him to tell me something sweet, he responded “30 minutes is 5 minutes.” To this day, he teaches me to be present.

Clara – Our princess is loving and affectionate. Clara is detail oriented and decisive. When I’m around both Clara and John Van, I am constantly reminded how much I am loved. They are both strong in the words and connection.

I could go on and on.. Would mention Wallace Lewis, Brenna Barzenick, Jonathan Duhon..

Don’t know where I’d be without Toby on the Foundation Board. Every room opens new doors to great relationships. Toby is creative, has a big heart, and functions at a high capacity with commitment that matches his energy.

Website: www.catestreet308.com

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyFive

Other: www.bestyearroadmap.com

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