Sandhya Risal's Culinary Odyssey: From Crisis to Success in Nepal's Restaurant Scene

 

 In an exclusive interview, Sub Express owner shares the unexpected journey, challenges faced, and the recipe for triumph in the restaurant business.

-Fibesight media

 

In a tale of resilience and innovation, Sandhya Risal, the owner of "Kimchi Express" and "Sub Express," shares her remarkable journey into the world of restaurateurship. In an accidental foray into the culinary scene, Risal reflects on the challenges faced, the creative solutions employed, and the success that followed.

An Unintentional Beginning: Eighteen months ago, Risal, equipped with a Hotel Management degree and a passion for cooking, stumbled into the world of restaurants by accident. The journey began with the establishment of a Korean Fast Food Joint, "Kimchi Express."

Navigating Challenges: The initial months of "Kimchi Express" were promising, but unforeseen challenges emerged, including unpredictable footfalls and issues with chef retention. Facing a potential crisis, Risal and her team made a bold decision to repurpose the underutilized ground floor, transforming it into the now successful "Sub Express," a live-preparation sandwich joint. The move not only saved the business but also boosted footfall in "Kimchi Express," leading to increased revenues.

Balancing Business and Family: With family members actively involved in the business, Risal emphasizes the familial atmosphere within her small team, making the balance between personal and professional life seamless.

Distinctive Offerings at "Sub Express": While "Kimchi Express" offers traditional Korean dishes, the true novelty lies in "Sub Express." From live preparation of sandwiches to a variety of exclusive bread, sauces, and veggies, Risal ensures a unique and aromatic experience for customers. The high-quality ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship contribute to the distinct aroma and taste that keeps patrons returning.

Rewardable Moments and Work Environment: As a new venture, every small milestone and positive customer feedback feels rewarding to Risal. The restaurant owner emphasizes a human-centric approach to team management, treating everyone equally and fostering a tight-knit environment. While acknowledging the need for a more technical approach with growth, Risal values intuition, practicality, and reciprocity within her team.

Staying Inspired: Rather than focusing on pushing boundaries, Risal takes small, proactive steps to continuously improve her business. The motivation comes from envisioning the future and unlocking the potential that her establishments hold.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Risal offers valuable advice for those considering a career in the challenging restaurant industry. She underscores the importance of building a robust team, maintaining strong financial backup, and understanding customers and the market.

Conclusion: Sandhya Risal's journey is a testament to the dynamism and tenacity required in the restaurant business. As "Kimchi Express" thrives and "Sub Express" expands to new locations, Risal's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of the culinary world. The future holds promise, and Risal continues to unlock the potential within her culinary ventures.

Thank you, Sandhya Risal, for sharing your extraordinary journey.