The Customer Is Always Number 1

According to Wei Li, the owner of No. 1 Chinese Restaurant, treating customers well is the most important part of running a successful restaurant. He believes that building strong and positive relationships with his customers is far more effective than advertising. And his customers have surely returned this appreciation with their continued support over the years.

Warm and Cozy
No. 1 Chinese Restaurant is located in Great Neck Square shopping center in the affluent Virginia Beach. There are popular schools, a famous hospital, and an exclusive residential area nearby, keeping the flow of customers busy. The restaurant is only 10 minutes’ drive from a large beach of Virginia. Thus, it also enjoys convenient traffic and considerable business from the tourists every year.

The 1,400 square foot restaurant is cheerfully decorated with clean white walls and red tables. A variety of Chinese ornaments decorate the restaurant, lending a touch of Chinese culture. You will find something interesting that, Mr. Li put out framed pictures on the wall. Most of which were taking with his customers. “I want to catch every happy moment,” Li said. Maybe success comes from good communication. Mr. Li's No.1 Chinese Restaurant stands out of other namesakes in the local especially because of its homey dining atmosphere.
 

Innovating Their Way to Success
Chinese cuisine is widely known in America and Chinese restaurants are more than saturated. When every menu looks similar, the competition has become fierce. However, for years, No.1 can stand still in the town and the business keeps growing. True gold does not fear fire. Mr. Li says the secret of success is constancy of purpose.

No 1. Chinese Restaurant specializes in Americanized Chinese cuisine with quite an extensive menu. While the menu is large, the common theme between the items is healthfulness to suit the local residents’ preferences.

The most popular dishes are the General Tso’s Chicken, Chow Mei Fun, Fried Dumplings, Chicken with Cashew Nuts and Kung Po Chicken. What make these dishes stand a part from those served at other American Chinese restaurants are the additional ingredients and innovative cooking styles used here.

With more than 20 years of restaurant managing and cooking experience before and after immigration to the States, Li has mastered the skill of culinary well. Maybe those dishes mentioned before sound normal and popular and ingredients are similar in every restaurant, by using distinct cooking procedure and the most balanced seasonings, the food of No.1 Chinese Restaurant always tastes extraordinarily delicious, just as its name embodies, always be the number 1.

The kitchen also adds new dishes to the menu to keep the customers interested. The latest new dish is the Bon Bon Chicken, which has so far been a crowd pleaser.

As for healthy options, there are plenty of steamed and vegetable dishes available. According to Li, the best way to prepare healthy food without losing the flavor is to boil the dish in a homemade chicken stock. Diners should also feel free to voice what they want here. The kitchen is glad to make modifications according to the customers’ preferences. Additionally, each dish is prepared with very little salt, sugar, and oil.

Customers can also be sure that the food they’re enjoying is fresh, too. High quality ingredients are delivered at least three times each week from a large and trustworthy catering supplier. Anything that doesn’t meet Li’s standard gets rejected and he never overstocks.

Excellent food, prohibitive price? No worries. Prices are affordable at No.1 Chinese Restaurant. It was given the Top 100 Best Value award by Chinese Restaurant News in January 2010 and it was also given the highest score from a mystery dining expert. Its Lunch Combos, which are popular for saving money and good portion have become the most attraction to students and hospital staffs.

All in the Family
There are quite a few reasons why customers return to No. 1 Chinese Restaurant again and again. The fresh food and affordable prices are two reasons, but also for the unbeatable service. The staff members are all well trained and pay close attention to each customer’s specific needs. The customers are treated as though they are family, and this is something they appreciate. “Some customers drive up to an hour to come to my restaurant,” boasts Li. “The fact that we don’t offer delivery doesn’t affect our business at all.” When customers are treated as personal, important guests, there’s no wonder why they chose to dine at No. 1 Chinese Restaurant.

The first few years No. 1 Chinese Restaurant was in business, Li’s found a bit difficult to balance his time between family and the restaurant, especially the period that her wife was pregnant and when his children were young. “I was moved that many of the customers were greatly concerned over my family and expressed their understanding when we were too busy to handle their orders. In return, Li promises to meet all of his beloved customers’ needs.

Additionally, Li has great relationships with his staff members. “My staff and I have built trust with one another. I believe they can handle everything well, even when I am not in the restaurant,” says Li. The staff members are required to wear hats or hairnets during their shifts and they are responsible for keeping the restaurant spotless. According to Li, the best way to give a customer a good first impression is through cleanliness.

“We make every effort to give our customers an unforgettable dining experience,” says Li. although the space is limited to hold parties, No.1 Chinese Restaurant is happy to prepare party trays for customers in need.

All About Li…
Li first came to the United States in 1992. He worked at several restaurants, first as a busboy and then later as a cook, and finally be became a restaurant owner. In the beginning, however, things were not very easy. Li found it difficult to adjust in the new country because of the language barrier and funding. He continued anyway and devoted himself to his career diligently.

Now that Li is enjoying better times, he has not forgotten where he once was. He shows great enthusiasm in public welfare work by taking part in any activities related to the society and giving donation to local charities.

According to Li, his secret to success is determination. He states that once he begins a task, he will do his best to finish it. “Always plan for long term development and be confident,” he advises. Li is a very intense person who cares deeply about everything. “Try to be the best in your field and if you are making a sincere effort, you will get something in return.”

In the future, Li plans on building up his own brand when he can finally seek perfect balance, growth and fulfillment in both his business and family. While he’s not ready to being this venture due to the current economic climate, we can be sure to expect this in the near future considering Li’s ambition.

More from the owner…
“I want to take this opportunity to say something to our customers and those people who had ever offered their help to us. We, as a humble family-owned eatery, are able to achieve a growing sale rate even though in financial crisis, thanks to the customers’ consistently support. We will dedicate to prepare daintier food and provide friendly service in the future for each of our guest.”

Name: No. 1 Chinese Restaurant
Location: 2150 Great Neck Square, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Offers: Take-out, Dine-in
Phone: (757) 496-8813