Spanking New Delights for All

Spanking New Delights for All

Interviewed by Cuiyin Zhang  Written by Elise Krentzel

In Utah's capital, Salt Lake City a spanking new Americanized Chinese American eatery has been thriving since February 2009. China Delight is a tiny express not unlike Panda Express. It's a one-stop shop for take-out, delivery meals and/or dining inside a casual atmosphere. Founded by Lisa Zhang, the 1,500 square foot area is decorated in a modest style although approachable and bright. Beige wooden stools, not unlike those found in cafeterias nationwide are covered in red leather. The mahogany colored tables are thrifty and clean. Beige tiled floors offset the wooden countertop while red lanterns greet customers by the entrance/exit doors. Simple Chinese paintings and other original adornments hang on the walls yet nothing to distract customers from the reason they are there. To eat or take-away those delicious lunches and dinners.

Name Those Dishes

When asked to name the top selling items, Lisa referred to Hong Kong Steak, an original dish of prepared by the chefs of China Delight. Made of premier quality steak it is marinated with Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Satay paste, sugar and vinegar. It's a tempting dish that lures most of the customers. BBQ Spare Ribs are right up there. Customers say there’s no other restaurant that can imitate the same taste of China Delight’s BBQ Spare Ribs. Lisa says, “The ribs are marinated in homemade sauce for 3-4 days.” The sauce is not reused, she insisted. In their signature Wonton Soup, fresh chicken bone is used to make the soup base. Shrimps, meat and broccoli enhance the fragrance. General Tso’s Chicken has a crispier outside and bolder garlic flavor than is found elsewhere. Since this dish has not yet been popularized throughout the city, Lisa always encourages her customers to try it out.

For health conscious diners, chicken with snow peas is Lisa's recommendation. Patrons can order dishes exactly to their liking whether MSG free, oil or salt free, steamed, boiled or grilled. No matter what their preference Lisa caters to their wishes. “Chinese Restaurant News” is her and her husband's main source of inspiration when it comes to trends; not just healthy ones, but in general.

Gaining a Position of Positive Strength

In order to gain a position in the market that will not be a fly by night, Lisa has adhered to several management and personal principles worth noting. Here's her list of to do's.

1.      Be friendly and easy-going with customers. This could build your reputation among the guests;

2.      Always remember that you will lose nothing but a little profit by providing quality food at very reasonable prices.

3.      As for food, a restaurant should be careful of the quality and the sanitation. Good portions at good value also attract customers.

4.      Keep learning and break down the language barrier. This may help to know more about the customers.

5.      Avoid any vicious competition including price cutting as that can only backfire in the long run.

Furthermore, in the owner's mind a good restaurant manager ought to have these qualities.

1.      When hiring employees, their previous abilities and communication skills should be considered seriously.

2.      Staff should wear tidy uniforms and groom themselves including their hair.

3.      Staff should be well-trained to be comprehensive helpers.

4.      Sanitation should be checked carefully every day.

The most important thing is to develop and then maintain a very good relationship with the customers. Listen to what they want, and to give more than what they need.”

Day to Day Service

As there are factories, offices and an airport nearby most of the customers have only one hour for lunch. Lisa is clearly eager to provide timely and efficient service which is absolutely guaranteed at China Delight. A steaming, freshly-prepared dish will be in ready to eat or take-out within ten minutes after ordering.

Other standards are equally as high. Lisa raises the bar when it comes to sanitation. Routine cleaning is, needless to say, a basic requirement. She was trained very strictly during her internship at Panda Express. She knows that sanitation plays a significant part in making or breaking an eatery, especially for express Chinese restaurants.

“Staff members come in one hour in advance every day to do some cleaning at China Delight. The restroom, light switches and doorknobs are disinfected before the restaurant is opened,” the owner said. She does everything possible to keep the restaurant spotless at all times.

Talking with the Customers

Customers are willing to chat with the owner, about life, marriage, family and just about anything worth discussing. Some even sit in the restaurant waiting until Lisa is freed up and not too busy. Yet it's a two way street. Lisa is also willing to listen to her customers.

She offers some insight. “I closed my previous restaurant for a couple of months. I remember the day China Delight was opened. Unexpectedly, a crowd of new and old customers were waiting outside the restaurant. They were there to send their warmest congratulations and to support me in my new endeavor. They said that they missed my restaurant so much. I was so moved by them,” Lisa emoted. She remembered an elderly couple who drove 1.5 hours to visit China Delight just to be near her. Many customers also bring Lisa fruits which are grown from their very own gardens. That is just a small indication of the type of intimacy she's developed with her patrons. Community is a big part of her life. When police officers, paramedics and army personnel dine in, they each get a free drink because Lisa respects their debt to society.