The Evolution of Hot Pot Restaurant

It was a warm sunny day in summer of 2018. While being served, one of the many satisfied customers requested the opportunity to see the manager. In the spirit of teamwork, I assured him of our sincere gratitude for his support over the years. He looked me in the yes and said he had just one question for the manager. Being a member of the management team, I was glad to help – yet curious.

He pulled a chair and my curiosity grew, as I was concerned his lunch was about to get cold. “Tell me” he said, “what’s your secret”? I paused, and asked why the question? He proceeded to say he watched the growth of the restaurant amidst the closure of many stores over the years, and that Hot Pot strikes him as a symbol of success. I then gathered my thoughts and gave him a brief over view of the operation.

The vision of one enterprising man shared with a couple loyal and helpful friends, became a reality in the year 2000. The focus of Hot Pot was to offer Customer Care and service, with consistent quality, determination and strategic planning. This has been the sustaining ingredients. The following examples confirmed that it was much more than just the mouth-watering entrees.

A sick mother who desperately needed a cup of broth was accommodated at no cost to her. Another customer’s wallet with cash and valuable documents to his house the next morning.

When survival seemed impossible from 2008-2014, determination and sacrificial strategy kept the business afloat. That customer thanked me and lamented, “If only we could convince the younger generations that most businesses will require resolve and sacrifices.”