by Elise Krentzel

Fact Sheet:

• Name: Hot Wok
  
• Location: 3006 N.W 13th St. Gainesville, FL 32609-2863
  
• Cuisine: Americanized Chinese Food
  
• Capacity: 10
  
• Offers: Take-out, Dine-in
  
• Signature Dish:  Szechuan Beef, General Tso’s Chicken, Chicken w. Broccoli, Sesame Chicken
  
• Year of establishment: 2001
  
• Phone: 352-271-8816
  
• Owner: Mr. Lu

Hot Wok, an efficient fast-food take-out boasts an unusual take on the popular best sellers: Szechuan Beef, General Tso's Chicken, Chicken with Broccoli, Pepper Steak with Onion and Sesame Chicken. Located in Gainesville, Florida along a competitive strip of retailers, they have won the hearts and palates of local businessmen and women with their prized dishes and speedy service.

The 1,400 square foot venue is spacious for a take-away yet there's only seating for approximately ten small tables. Yet the real action takes place in the back of the house – in the kitchen where surprises abound. It is there where the changing of the guards occurs. From simplified Chinese American standards to inspiring – on the spicy or sweet size – Szechuan reigns supreme. Szechuan is the king of this castle owned by Mr. Lu.

Spice is Nice, so is Steamed

The savoriness of the extensive (over 100 items) menu sends your aromatic barometer way up, if you so choose to delve into the bowl of pungent yet healthy Hot Wok specialities. Mr. Lu's keen chefs are at the ready to whip up anything, at a finger snap: boiled, steamed, stir-fried, deep-fried or sautéed. The owner doesn't let go of the quality reigns. According to his strict requirement, all provisions are purchased daily to ensure seasonality, variety and freshness. Like his colleagues across the board in America, Mr. Lu pays close attention to the demands of customers, namely; he uses less or no oil or salt, no MSG to find creative cooking methods to serve up healthy variables of traditional favorites.

Mr. Lu's observance of his customer's changing habits, lifestyles and tastes has resulted in a steady stream of return customers. The kitchen's has emerged with a sense of vigor eagerly promoting the numerous “healthier” choices on Hot Wok's menu. For customers on a dietary regime, Hot Wok boasts a plethora of options such as Steamed Chicken with mixed vegetables or  Shrimp with same. The endless assortment of greens can be combined in any fashionable arrangement – broccoli with green beans, onions and spinach florets.

The Best Award is Praise

In business since 2000, Hot Wok has successfully built up a clientele, one that is loyal and highly complimentary of the superb quality food and efficient service. Mr. Lu explains, “some customers have expressed their concerns over how hard we work and toil. They are not stingy with their words, often praising how great our food is.” “Our return customers' recognition is the best award for us. It is a powerful motivator and elicits a sense of progress and movement that gives us the kick needed to continually develop and invent”, he adds.

Adding to the approval ratings is Hot Wok's efficiency reflected in swift preparation and delivery which saves time for busy customers. If people are hurried in their daily lives, quick service guarantees their timely return to matters of importance. Furthermore, the sanitary condition of Hot Wok appears to have been orchestrated by a military operation. With stark regularity, every single day, it appears as if an entourage of highly trained drones have swept clean, brushed, scrubbed, shined, polished and rid the operation of any and all debris, germs or unwanted particles. Stepping inside, the open kitchen allows waiting customers an immediate viewing access to the chefs' lair. It offers onlookers a free inspection to the dimensions of the hygienic level of this super clean operation.

Pragmatism is a cornerstone to Hot Wok's continued serviceability and success in the rough and tumble world of Chinese American take-out. Mr. Lu's point of view is simple: “focus on what you're good at.” Hot Wok's expedient service is a surefire way to carry on the bedrock of this motto. A clear division of labor ensures all staff members reach their highest potential while abiding by the restaurant's management culture. Hard work and a positive attitude are absolutes for Mr. Lu.

How it Came to Be

Mr. Lu ought to know first hand about hard work. He arrived in America eight years ago without a shred of experience in the restaurant world. Like many an ambitious newcomer to these shores, his dream to establish his own business was thwarted at the beginning. Life was tough and conditions raw and fast paced. With a sense of adventure, courage and ceaseless determination, Mr. Lu worked his way up. At first he was employed in a low level position at a Chinese restaurant. Through contacts and good solid business sense he found partners who were willing to invest in a stand alone operation run by the group of them. That dream materialized in 2001.

With eight years of solid knowledge Mr. Lu thinks it is gradually nearing the time to open another restaurant featuring dine-in service. That too, would be a chance for him to hone his skills and grow his business to the next level. Gainesville's populace would be fortunate to have Mr. Lu at the helm of another successful operation.